Unit 1 Flashcards
(20 cards)
Just-world theory has identified 2 paths:
1) - Belief in a personal just-world: (‘I usually get what I deserve’) Is considered adaptive and helpful in coping with distressing circumstances in one’s life
2) Belief in a general just-world: More problematic because it is associated with less compassion for others and even a belittlement of victims of crime
Scientific theory
1) A set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables
Theory verification
1) A process whereby a scientific theory is tested through observation and analysis
2) If the process falsifies the theory, the theory must be revised to account for the observed events
Theory falsification
1) The end result if any proposition of a theory is not verified
2) The theory is not necessarily rejected straightaway, it can be modified or retested
Model
1) A graphic representation of a theory or a concept, designed to enhance its understanding
2) Beccaria developed a theory that human behaviour is driven by a choice made by weighing the amount of pleasure gained against the amount of pain or punishment expected
3) Argued- To reduce or stop criminal offending in any society, the punishment should be swift, certain, and severe enough to deter people from the criminal (pleasure-seeking) act
4) If people realized in advance that severe punishment would be forthcoming, regardless of their social status/privileges- They would choose not to engage in illegal behaviour
Classical theory
1) Theory of human behaviour that emphasizes free will as a core concept
2) Both criminal and civil law are rooted in belief that individuals are masters of their fate, the possessors of free will and freedom of choice
Deterrence theory
1) Modern version of classical theory, it proposes that people will avoid committing crime if the possibility of punishment is great enough
Positivist theory
1) Theory that argues prior experiences or influences determine present behaviour (aligned with idea of determinism)
2) Free will cannot be the major explanation for our behaviour- Antecedents (prior experiences or influences) determine how we will act
All theories of crime have underlying assumptions about or perspectives on human nature 3 major theoretical perspectives:
1) Conformity perspective
2) Nonconformist perspective
3)Learning perspective
Conformity perspective :
1) Theoretical position that humans are born basically good and generally try to do the right and just thing
2) Assumption represents foundation of the humanistic perspectives- Humans are basically
‘good’ people trying to live to their fullest potential Example of conformity perspective- Strain theory
Strain theory
1) A prominent sociological explanation for crime based on Robert Merton’s theory that crime and delinquency occur when there is a perceived conflict between the materialistic values and goals that are cherished and held in high esteem by a society, as well as the availability of the legitimate means for reaching these goals
Nonconformist perspective:
1) Theoretical perspective that humans will naturally try to get away with anything they can, including illegal conduct, unless social controls are imposed
Social control theory
1) A theory proposed by Travis Hirschi that claims that crime and delinquency occur when an individual’s ties to the regular order or normative standards are weak or largely non-existent
General Theory of Crime or Self-Control Theory
1) Proposes that crime and delinquency can be explained largely by deficits in self-control and self-regulation
Learning perspective
1) Theoretical position that humans are born basically neutral and behaviourally a blank slate, what they become as individuals depends on their learning experiences rather than inherited predispositions
Social learning theory
1) A theory of human behaviour based on learning from watching others in the social environment, which leads to an individual’s development of his/her own perceptions, thoughts, expectancies, competencies, and values
Differential association theory”
1) Formulated by Sutherland, a theory of crime that states that criminal behaviour is primarily due to obtaining values from others
Critical factors include:
1) With whom a person associates
2) How early
3) For how long
4) How frequently
5) How personally meaningful the associations are
Sociological criminology
1) Examines the demographic, group, and societal variables related to crime
Social disorganization
1) Refers to extent to which unfavourable conditions exist in a community
