Criminology Theories What causes crime?

Classical Criminology Cesare Beccaria (1738 – 1794) Humans are driven by self-interest People weigh the consequences of their actions People are willing to forfeit some freedom for peace and security Gov’t must act on behalf of all citizens The banning of “cruel and unusual punishment” is attributed to Beccaria Jermy Irons music

Positivism Cesare Lombroso (1835 – 1909) Biological and psychological factors explain criminal behaviour There are born criminals Certain physical features reflect a criminal mind

Sociological Perspectives Emile Durkheim Anomie Theory Anonymity of big cities gives certain individuals the opportunity to commit crimes Crime may serve the function of challenging prevailing views

1930s Chicago School Ecological Neighbourhoods with high levels of poverty are more likely to condone crime

Karl Marx and Frederick Engels Communist Manifesto (1848) Social Conflict Theory Capitalist societies that encourage competition for resources and wealth make crime inevitable People with money and power decide what is considered criminal

Consensus Theory There is a universal definition of right and wrong ~ laws reflect this consensus Criminals choose not to accept the view of the majority

Contemporary Theories Strain Theory People commit crimes when they believe they cannot achieve their goals in legitimate ways

Socialization Theory Key influences leading to criminal behaviour are upbringing. Peer groups and role models

Social Conflict Theory The root cause of crime is the unfair economic structures of capitalism

Cultural Theory Certain cultures degrade members of the society. Certain cultures degrade members of the society. They are easier to victimize They are easier to victimize

Does Pornography De-Humanize? Pornography

Contemporary Biological Theories Biological Trait Theory Certain traits predispose certain individuals to criminal behaviour

Biochemical Theory Poor diet, hormones, or alcohol or drugs while in the womb may cause a person to engage in criminal behaviour Poor diet, hormones, or alcohol or drugs while in the womb may cause a person to engage in criminal behaviour alcoholdrugs alcoholdrugs

Neurophysiological Theories Certain neurological dysfunctions are connected with criminal activity

Genetics The tendency to engage in criminal behaviour is based on genes

XYY Theory (1967) Criminals have abnormal xyy chromosome.13% of population.7% of mental institutions 1.93% of prisons Signs and symptoms Tall stature Severe Acne during adolescent Thin personality Learning Difficulties Delayed speech and Language skills Delayed motor developments Antisocial or aggressive behavior

The mind of a killer The mind of a Serial Killer The Childhood of a Serial Killer Psychopaths