Chapter 2 – P.O.L.

Causes of Crime
Notes

Theory in Criminology
Theory
An explanation of a happening or circumstance that is based on observation,
experimentation and reasoning.
A hypothesis
A possible explanation for an observed occurrence that can be tested by further
investigation.
Exploring the Causes of Crime
Punishment has four goals
To prevent all crime
When it cannot prevent crime, to assure that the offender will commit a lesser
crime to avoid punishment
To give the offender an incentive not to harm others in the pursuit of crime
To prevent crime at the least possible cost to society
Positivism
Cesare Lombroso
was an Italian criminologist, physician, and founder of the Italian School of Positivist
Criminology.
Known as “Father of Criminology.”
November 1835 -
October 1909
Lombroso asserts criminals do not have free choice when it comes to offending, their
criminality is determined at birth
Hormones and Aggression
One trait theory states that biochemical conditions can influence criminal behavior
Criminal behavior in males can be linked to the hormone testosterone
Aggressive behavior might also be related to neurotransmitters in the brain
Sociological theories
Indicate that crime is the result of social conditions in a person’s environment
Social disorganization theory
Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay studied high-crime neighborhoods in Chicago
and found these “zones” were characterized by “disorganization”
Strain theories
Strain theories contend that those who are disadvantaged because of poverty or other
factors such as racial discrimination are more likely to commit crimes because other
avenues of “success” have been closed off.
Learning theory
Popularized by Edwin Sutherland and his theory of differential association
Sees crime as learned behavior, where the “teacher” is usually a family member or a
friend who exposes the “student” to criminal behavior
Control theory
Hirschi’s control theory suggests that social bonds promote conformity
All people have the potential to commit crimes, most are dissuaded because they care
about the opinions of family and peers
Labeling theory
Contends that if someone is labeled “delinquent” or “criminal” by authority figures, there
is a better chance that person will consider himself or herself as such and continue the
criminal behavior
Society creates crime and criminals by labeling certain behaviors
Social conflict theories
Capitalism is seen as leading to high levels of violence and crime because of the disparity
of income it encourages
Social reality of crime suggests that laws reflect only the values of the segment of society
that has achieved power and is willing to use the criminal justice system as a tool to keep
that power.
Propose a general theory of crime
Believe that criminal behavior is linked to “low self-control,” a personality trait that is
formed before a child reaches the age of 10 and can usually be attributed to poor
parenting
Risks of victimization
Anyone can be a victim of crime
Theory suggests three things are needed for victimization to occur
A likely offender
A suitable target
The absence of a capable guardian
Low-self-control may be related to both criminality and victimization
Link Between Drugs and Crime
Control theory suggests that drug use is the result of a lack of social control
Link Between Drugs and Crime
The Drug-Crime Relationship
More than 2/3 of jail inmates are tested positive for illicit drugs when apprehended
There are three models which explain the relationship between drugs and crime
The systemic model suggests that violence is a by-product of the drug community
Models of Addiction
The medical model of addiction states that addicts are not criminals, but mentally and
physically ill individuals
Criminology from Theory to Practice
Criminology can play a crucial role in the criminal justice system
Research established the idea of the chronic offender
Shows that a small group of offenders (6 percent) are responsible for a
disproportionate number of violent crime.