Theories of Criminal Behaviour Historical Perspectives On Criminology

Theories of Criminal Behaviour

Historical Perspectives On Criminology Positivist School � Focused on ____________to explain criminal behaviour rather than legal system ◦ Lombroso “born criminal theory” ◦ http: //www. youtube. com/w atch? v=n 29 YBw. BUTx. M �http: //www. youtube. com/watch ? v=Hmd. AYqqc 8 gc ◦ XYY theory

Theory Of Anomie ◦ Proposed by Emile Durkheim ◦ Argued that as society moved from rural to urban, traditional values and bonds that regulated behaviour were weakened ◦ __________________________ ◦ Called this state of isolation “______”

Ecological School ◦ Argued that criminal behaviour was _______________________ ◦ Communities that suffered from high rates of poverty and social disintegration were more likely to condone criminal activity than affluent areas

Consensus Theory ◦ Consensus theorists assume _____________________ ___________ ◦ Argue that criminal laws prohibit behaviours that society agrees are harmful

Contemporary Theories Of Crime

Strain Theory ◦ Introduced by Robert Merton ◦ Argues that people commit crimes when they believe they __________________________. ◦ The stress of goals of acquiring wealth (success and power), and the means to achieve these goals (education, economic resources) are denied to the economically disadvantaged

Socialization ◦ Suggests the key influences leading to criminal behaviour are found in _____________________

Biological Theories

Biological Trait Theory ◦ Argues that some human traits such as __________________ and genetic makeup may predispose people to engage in criminal behaviour ◦ Research suggests that the following can cause a person to become a criminal �Poor diet (“Twinkie Defense”) �http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=I 9 trkiz. KP 08 �Influence of hormones (androgens) �Exposure to drugs/alcohol in the womb

Neurophysiological Theory ◦ Focus on the study of _____________________ �Twin studies