Explain Different Criminological Theories
Final Paper
SOC 220 OL
Dr. Leon Geter
9/17/2014
Anne Bilben Sund
I Theories of Crime and Justice
II Intro
In this paper, I aim to examine and explain different criminological categories. By looking at the link and relevance between criminology and criminal justice, certain different criminological theories, and the understanding of rational choice and deterrence theory, I wish to communicate why criminology and criminal justice is important to understand and further prevent crime. In an increasingly globalized world, contact between different people and cultures will become more evident.
III What is Criminology?
Criminology is the study of etiology, and science behind what causes crime. It revolves around deviance and social control, …show more content…
with a focus on offences and criminal penalties. Criminology is an interdisciplinary science, meaning that it includes and connect several different scientific fields such as psychology, sociology, biology, and anthropology. Commonly one distinguishes between criminal- biology and sociology, which concerns itself with the individual- and social influences on crime. Prediction research uses statistical methods to foresee an individual’s crime risk. Crime and punishment, social control and deviance is a reflection on society, as it differs from countries. (Karstedt, 2001). It is criminologist task to analyze and understand this reflection. They do this by looking at criminal statistics, legal studies, victims, penology and theory construction. (Siegel, 2011) The view of causes of crime has differed throughout the times, which I will explain further in this paper.
IV How is Criminology related to Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice is the practice of governmental agencies, who implement law and regulation, formally judge, and punish or discipline offending behavior. Their main objective is to prevent future violations against the law in order to keep society safe for everyone. (Siegel, 2011). Although they share many academic fundaments and overlap each other, criminal justice and criminology differs. Justice is the key word here, as criminal justice seeks to attain fairness and due process. (Zalman, 2007)
Criminology and criminal justice is in relation to one another also because governmental institutions understanding of why and what is causing criminal behavior is essential in order to prevent future wrongdoings.
V Classical Criminology
Classical criminology arose during the last half of the eighteenth century as an effect of what we know as ‘the age of reason’. During this time, philosophers such as Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu and Locke, addressed topics of equal rights, citizenship, utilitarianism and social issues, which would pave the way for the establishment of the social democracy. It should however be mentioned that equality during the ‘age of reason’ was far from complete. Both women and minorities were considered inferior beings who did not have the right to vote due to lack of ability to think and act rationally. (Tierney, 2009). Cesare Beccaria was one of the earliest thinkers to introduce a methodical insight of why criminals act the way they do. He stated that people have rational choice, and act accordingly; they will avoid pain and seek pleasure. If the punishment of a crime is smaller than the gain from it, individuals are more likely to commit crime. Further, Beccaria declared that potential criminal actions could be prevented if people dreaded the penalty it would cause. (Siegel, 2011) The slogan of classical criminology was: ‘let the punishment fit the crime’ and conveys that the penalty should correspond (and not exceed or be inferior) to the crime committed. (Siegel, 2011). This theory within criminology highly focuses on the crime and not the criminal.
VI Positivist Criminology
Positivist criminology has the lawbreaker in focus, and states that scientific research (normally used to study nature) could be applied to social issues and studied in the same manner.
This theory emerged in the eighteenth hundreds and implied that it is the biological, psychological, economic and social demands that determine how individuals behave. According to this theory, one needs empirical evidence to prove behavior. Notions about super natural phenomenon’s like ones soul or god was thus not considered valid when it came to explaining social events. (Siegel, 2011). Seen through contemporary eyes, some of these early scientific research methods seems outdated and unfounded. An example of this is Franz Joseph Gall and Johann K. Surzheim who studied the structure of skulls and decided there was a clear relation between criminal behavior and head shape. (Siegel, 2011). Towards the end of the nineteenth century, positivist criminological theories was in use to explain sociological and psychological aspects of deviance and criminal behavior. It kept exploring methods to establish rigorous and definite systems to measure crime, although with some obvious problems as the studies did not include non-criminals and were aimed towards criminal behavior known to the authorities (which does not necessary include all crimes). (Taylor,I.,& Walton, …show more content…
1973)
VII Critical Criminology
Critical criminology is known by many different names (radical-, conflict-, Marxist-), and was first founded by Karl Marx as a theory with a definite link to social, economic and political issues. During the Vietnam War in the 1970’s it got a revival when considerable groups of the general public started questioning law makers and the general power structure in society. By looking at inequalities within race, gender, and civil rights it was clear to see there were major social differences. Critical criminologists states that the system of laws and regulations are ultimately not in place to preserve an impartial and calm society, but rather made up of people with power who wish to continue keeping their influence and dominance. According to this theory, the law protects social layers, despite it being high-profile people who commit crimes that has a greater impact on society than small-scale crimes. An example is people who profit off practices that hurt the environment vs. car theft. The latter one has a significant lesser impact on society, but more often is punished much harder. (Siegel, 2011)
VIII Rational Choice- and Deterrence Theories
Stemming from classical criminology, is rational choice theory. This theory sets forth that criminals acts rationally in accordance with their own self-interest, despite breaking the law. For said people, crime is a reasonable choice given their situation and perhaps lack of a way to achieve what they want in a law abiding way. It is argued that not only is crime a rational choice for people in a situation that ‘forces’ them to, but also a deliberate choice for some. There is allure in taking short cuts to get what one wants; by applying skill, vigilance and caution some criminals thrive on the state of excitement. Economist Gary Becker advanced the rational choice theory by stating that “People consider alternatives and make decisions based on what limited resources they have”. (Kristler, 2013). He further implied that if law breakers had a less justifiable economic reason to commit a crime, their rational choice would be to avoid it. (Herfeld, 2012). On one side, one can argue that if crimes were sanctioned in a harsher manner, individuals would largely be more scared to commit unlawful actions. On the other hand, one could perhaps reduce crime by implementing social structures making the crime unnecessary. Another aspect is white-collar crime and transnational corporations who bribe state officials to secure economic gain. Surely, it is against the law in the United States, but seen with through multinational glasses possibly the only way to protect financial interest. This unlawful behavior can therefore still be seen as rational. (Holmes, 2009) An example of rational choice theory, is when burglars chose weak targets. Another, when financially stable people shoplift just for the thrill of it, it can be seen as an example of someone who seeks adventure despite being in need of it, thus a rational choice.
Deterrence theory describes when presumed threat of punishment prevent criminals from breaking the law. Governments use deterrence theory in order to reduce crime. By sanctioning crimes, the rational lawbreaker is less likely to take the risk of committing crimes. “Making alternative choices to crime is the central tenet of deterrence theory and its Classical heritage” (Mendes,2001). Focusing on the crime itself, is typical for the classical view of criminology, as opposed to positivist criminology where the criminal is the one aimed attention. (Mendes, 2004)
IX Conclusion
In order to have a calm and safe society on a global scale as well as domestic, the criminal justice system need to implement laws and sanction criminals with the utmost understanding and capability. This understanding can perhaps be acquired with knowledge from criminologist and criminological theories that explains why crime happens in the first place.
X References
Brisman, A. (2011). Advancing critical criminology through anthropology. Western Criminology Review, 12(2), 55-77. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/890056817?accountid=38129
Caro, M. J. (2002). Theory integration in criminology: An appraisal and a quantum proposal. (Order No. 3050755, University of Miami). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 213-213 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/305580814?accountid=38129. (305580814).
Herfeld, C. (2012, April 14). The potentials and limitations of rational choice theory: an interview with Gary Becker. Erasmus Journal for Philosophy and Economics,, p. 13.
Holmes, L. (2009). Good guys, bad guys: Transnational corporations, rational choice theory and power crime. Crime, Law and Social Change, 51(3-4), 383-397. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10611-008-9166-9
Karstedt, S. (2001). Comparing cultures, comparing crime: Challenges, prospects and problems for a global criminology. Crime, Law and Social Change, 36(3), 285. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216163194?accountid=38129
Kristler, H.
(Director). (2013). Conversations with History: Gary Becker USA: University of California Television (UCTV).
Mendes, S. M. (2004). Certainty, severity, and their relative deterrent effects: Questioning the implications of the role of risk in criminal deterrence policy. Policy Studies Journal, 32(1), 59-74. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/210559431?accountid=38129
Mendes, S. M. V. (2001). Criminal deterrence policy: Theory, politics, and practice. (Order No. 3026391, State University of New York at Binghamton). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 267-267 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/304760930?accountid=38129. (304760930).
Siegel, L (2011). Criminology: The Core. 4th Edition. Wadsworth Publishing. July 24, 2014.
Taylor, I., & Walton, P. (1973). The new criminology: For a social theory of deviance,. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
Tierney, J. (2009). Key Perspectives in Criminology. Berkshire, GBR: McGraw-Hill Education. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
Zalman, M. (2007). The search for criminal justice theory: Reflections on kraska's theorizing criminal justice. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 18(1), 163-181,186. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/223393722?accountid=38129
SOC 220 OL
Dr. Leon Geter
9/17/2014
Anne Bilben Sund
I Theories of Crime and Justice
II Intro
In this paper, I aim to examine and explain different criminological categories. By looking at the link and relevance between criminology and criminal justice, certain different criminological theories, and the understanding of rational choice and deterrence theory, I wish to communicate why criminology and criminal justice is important to understand and further prevent crime. In an increasingly globalized world, contact between different people and cultures will become more evident.
III What is Criminology?
Criminology is the study of etiology, and science behind what causes crime. It revolves around deviance and social control, …show more content…
with a focus on offences and criminal penalties. Criminology is an interdisciplinary science, meaning that it includes and connect several different scientific fields such as psychology, sociology, biology, and anthropology. Commonly one distinguishes between criminal- biology and sociology, which concerns itself with the individual- and social influences on crime. Prediction research uses statistical methods to foresee an individual’s crime risk. Crime and punishment, social control and deviance is a reflection on society, as it differs from countries. (Karstedt, 2001). It is criminologist task to analyze and understand this reflection. They do this by looking at criminal statistics, legal studies, victims, penology and theory construction. (Siegel, 2011) The view of causes of crime has differed throughout the times, which I will explain further in this paper.
IV How is Criminology related to Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice is the practice of governmental agencies, who implement law and regulation, formally judge, and punish or discipline offending behavior. Their main objective is to prevent future violations against the law in order to keep society safe for everyone. (Siegel, 2011). Although they share many academic fundaments and overlap each other, criminal justice and criminology differs. Justice is the key word here, as criminal justice seeks to attain fairness and due process. (Zalman, 2007)
Criminology and criminal justice is in relation to one another also because governmental institutions understanding of why and what is causing criminal behavior is essential in order to prevent future wrongdoings.
V Classical Criminology
Classical criminology arose during the last half of the eighteenth century as an effect of what we know as ‘the age of reason’. During this time, philosophers such as Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu and Locke, addressed topics of equal rights, citizenship, utilitarianism and social issues, which would pave the way for the establishment of the social democracy. It should however be mentioned that equality during the ‘age of reason’ was far from complete. Both women and minorities were considered inferior beings who did not have the right to vote due to lack of ability to think and act rationally. (Tierney, 2009). Cesare Beccaria was one of the earliest thinkers to introduce a methodical insight of why criminals act the way they do. He stated that people have rational choice, and act accordingly; they will avoid pain and seek pleasure. If the punishment of a crime is smaller than the gain from it, individuals are more likely to commit crime. Further, Beccaria declared that potential criminal actions could be prevented if people dreaded the penalty it would cause. (Siegel, 2011) The slogan of classical criminology was: ‘let the punishment fit the crime’ and conveys that the penalty should correspond (and not exceed or be inferior) to the crime committed. (Siegel, 2011). This theory within criminology highly focuses on the crime and not the criminal.
VI Positivist Criminology
Positivist criminology has the lawbreaker in focus, and states that scientific research (normally used to study nature) could be applied to social issues and studied in the same manner.
This theory emerged in the eighteenth hundreds and implied that it is the biological, psychological, economic and social demands that determine how individuals behave. According to this theory, one needs empirical evidence to prove behavior. Notions about super natural phenomenon’s like ones soul or god was thus not considered valid when it came to explaining social events. (Siegel, 2011). Seen through contemporary eyes, some of these early scientific research methods seems outdated and unfounded. An example of this is Franz Joseph Gall and Johann K. Surzheim who studied the structure of skulls and decided there was a clear relation between criminal behavior and head shape. (Siegel, 2011). Towards the end of the nineteenth century, positivist criminological theories was in use to explain sociological and psychological aspects of deviance and criminal behavior. It kept exploring methods to establish rigorous and definite systems to measure crime, although with some obvious problems as the studies did not include non-criminals and were aimed towards criminal behavior known to the authorities (which does not necessary include all crimes). (Taylor,I.,& Walton, …show more content…
1973)
VII Critical Criminology
Critical criminology is known by many different names (radical-, conflict-, Marxist-), and was first founded by Karl Marx as a theory with a definite link to social, economic and political issues. During the Vietnam War in the 1970’s it got a revival when considerable groups of the general public started questioning law makers and the general power structure in society. By looking at inequalities within race, gender, and civil rights it was clear to see there were major social differences. Critical criminologists states that the system of laws and regulations are ultimately not in place to preserve an impartial and calm society, but rather made up of people with power who wish to continue keeping their influence and dominance. According to this theory, the law protects social layers, despite it being high-profile people who commit crimes that has a greater impact on society than small-scale crimes. An example is people who profit off practices that hurt the environment vs. car theft. The latter one has a significant lesser impact on society, but more often is punished much harder. (Siegel, 2011)
VIII Rational Choice- and Deterrence Theories
Stemming from classical criminology, is rational choice theory. This theory sets forth that criminals acts rationally in accordance with their own self-interest, despite breaking the law. For said people, crime is a reasonable choice given their situation and perhaps lack of a way to achieve what they want in a law abiding way. It is argued that not only is crime a rational choice for people in a situation that ‘forces’ them to, but also a deliberate choice for some. There is allure in taking short cuts to get what one wants; by applying skill, vigilance and caution some criminals thrive on the state of excitement. Economist Gary Becker advanced the rational choice theory by stating that “People consider alternatives and make decisions based on what limited resources they have”. (Kristler, 2013). He further implied that if law breakers had a less justifiable economic reason to commit a crime, their rational choice would be to avoid it. (Herfeld, 2012). On one side, one can argue that if crimes were sanctioned in a harsher manner, individuals would largely be more scared to commit unlawful actions. On the other hand, one could perhaps reduce crime by implementing social structures making the crime unnecessary. Another aspect is white-collar crime and transnational corporations who bribe state officials to secure economic gain. Surely, it is against the law in the United States, but seen with through multinational glasses possibly the only way to protect financial interest. This unlawful behavior can therefore still be seen as rational. (Holmes, 2009) An example of rational choice theory, is when burglars chose weak targets. Another, when financially stable people shoplift just for the thrill of it, it can be seen as an example of someone who seeks adventure despite being in need of it, thus a rational choice.
Deterrence theory describes when presumed threat of punishment prevent criminals from breaking the law. Governments use deterrence theory in order to reduce crime. By sanctioning crimes, the rational lawbreaker is less likely to take the risk of committing crimes. “Making alternative choices to crime is the central tenet of deterrence theory and its Classical heritage” (Mendes,2001). Focusing on the crime itself, is typical for the classical view of criminology, as opposed to positivist criminology where the criminal is the one aimed attention. (Mendes, 2004)
IX Conclusion
In order to have a calm and safe society on a global scale as well as domestic, the criminal justice system need to implement laws and sanction criminals with the utmost understanding and capability. This understanding can perhaps be acquired with knowledge from criminologist and criminological theories that explains why crime happens in the first place.
X References
Brisman, A. (2011). Advancing critical criminology through anthropology. Western Criminology Review, 12(2), 55-77. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/890056817?accountid=38129
Caro, M. J. (2002). Theory integration in criminology: An appraisal and a quantum proposal. (Order No. 3050755, University of Miami). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 213-213 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/305580814?accountid=38129. (305580814).
Herfeld, C. (2012, April 14). The potentials and limitations of rational choice theory: an interview with Gary Becker. Erasmus Journal for Philosophy and Economics,, p. 13.
Holmes, L. (2009). Good guys, bad guys: Transnational corporations, rational choice theory and power crime. Crime, Law and Social Change, 51(3-4), 383-397. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10611-008-9166-9
Karstedt, S. (2001). Comparing cultures, comparing crime: Challenges, prospects and problems for a global criminology. Crime, Law and Social Change, 36(3), 285. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216163194?accountid=38129
Kristler, H.
(Director). (2013). Conversations with History: Gary Becker USA: University of California Television (UCTV).
Mendes, S. M. (2004). Certainty, severity, and their relative deterrent effects: Questioning the implications of the role of risk in criminal deterrence policy. Policy Studies Journal, 32(1), 59-74. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/210559431?accountid=38129
Mendes, S. M. V. (2001). Criminal deterrence policy: Theory, politics, and practice. (Order No. 3026391, State University of New York at Binghamton). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 267-267 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/304760930?accountid=38129. (304760930).
Siegel, L (2011). Criminology: The Core. 4th Edition. Wadsworth Publishing. July 24, 2014.
Taylor, I., & Walton, P. (1973). The new criminology: For a social theory of deviance,. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
Tierney, J. (2009). Key Perspectives in Criminology. Berkshire, GBR: McGraw-Hill Education. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
Zalman, M. (2007). The search for criminal justice theory: Reflections on kraska's theorizing criminal justice. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 18(1), 163-181,186. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/223393722?accountid=38129