1. Introduction to criminal psychology
DEFINITIONS AND THEORIES OF CRIME

2. Aim and Objectives
AIM: Compare and contrast definitions of crime and introduce theories of crime.
OBJECTIVES: YSBAT:
Compare and contrast the Consensus, Conflict, and Interactionist definitions of Crime.
Compare and contrast the classical and positive theories of crime.

3. CONSENSUS VIEW
The legal system: reflection of what is considered acceptable or unacceptable within a society
Consensus in society expressed
as norms/rules.
Crime: a violation of criminal law: an act committed that the majority disapproves of.
Function of criminal law:
Maintain agreed aims of
society

4. CONFLICT VIEW Society consists of competing diverse groups.
Inequality of power creates conflict which promotes crime.
Crime function of Capitalist system and type of crime dictated by the system.
Poor Theft Middle class Tax Evasion Wealth Exploitation

5. CONFLICT VIEW
Criminal laws protect the rich and dominant ruling class. View FAILS to acknowledge individual differences in crime.
So… the conflict approach views no act being naturally immoral or criminal but an act defined on a social basis.
Capitalism leads to unequal distribution of wealth.
Poor resort to crime
Wealthy commit crime to increase wealth: they control a legal system that discriminates against the poor.

6. X INTERACTIONIST VIEW MEANING
Individual behaviour is guided by the interpretation of reality and events.
Reactions of other people important: whether positive or negative.
Evaluation of ones own behaviour is based on those meanings.
Focus is on?
MEANING X

7. INTERACTIONIST VIEW: Labelling Theory
Labelling Theory: Law is applied to the benefit of those with power. Which other view agrees with this statement?
Conflict theory
Decide on label of “criminal”.
Gove (1975): Two consequences of labelling:
creation of stigma
modification of self-image
STIGMA: Result of reactions of others: may lead to discrimination.
Consequence of discrimination: people may change self-image to suit the label: self-fulfilling prophecy.
Once labelled: person fits into role: deviation amplification (Lemart, 1951).
Intervention and punishment only serve to reinforce self-perceptions.

8. Theories of Crime: Psychological approach.
There is no single theory or explanation of crime: crime is a social construct which changes over time and across cultures.
Can you think of any examples of behaviour that have been considered criminal at one time or viewed criminal according to culture?

9. Theories of Crime: Psychological approach.
The basis of the argument in to explain criminal behaviour is the nature-nurture debate.
Are criminals born bad or made mad?

10. Classical Theory Free Will is a key concept in this theory
Individual has a choice in whether he/she commits crime.
If payoffs/rewards outweigh the consequences of crime, then crime is likely to increase.
Reflection of this view is the use of severe punishments in the mid 1700s to 1800s. E.g. vagrant in society may be punished by public flogging.
Bevaria agreed with free will but believe
that “the punishment should fit the crime.
Classical theory disappeared until the
and 1980s with the emergence of
neoclassical and conservative
criminology.

11. Positivist Theory
Idea of free will in explaining crime is a contentious issue.
Free will must be considered together with:
Biological factors (genetics)
Psychological constructs (personality)
Learning (operant and social learning theory)
Moral development.

12. Activity! Task 1: Definitions of Crime (a.c.1.1.)
Firstly, in groups brainstorm ideas for the three definitions of crime: consensus, conflict, and interactionist.
Then transfer information and ideas to your task 1 sheet in your assignment booklet.

13. Aim and Objectives
AIM: Compare and contrast definitions of crime and introduce theories of crime.
OBJECTIVES: YSBAT:
Compare and contrast the Consensus, Conflict, and Interactionist definitions of Crime.
Compare and contrast the classical and positive theories of crime.

14. We will look at biological explanations for crime!
NEXT LESSON…
We will look at biological explanations for crime!