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Emerging Criminological Theories

Emerging Criminological Theories. “If a little knowledge is dangerous, where is the man who has so much as to be out of danger” – T.H. Huxley. Introduction…. Collectively the theories covered may appear overwhelming and counterproductive BUT… Many interrelated

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Emerging Criminological Theories

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  1. Emerging Criminological Theories “If a little knowledge is dangerous, where is the man who has so much as to be out of danger” – T.H. Huxley

  2. Introduction… • Collectively the theories covered may appear overwhelming and counterproductive • BUT… • Many interrelated • Share a common goal (crime control) • Interest in (criminal/deviant) human behaviour • Developmental criminology vs. integrating criminologies

  3. Evolution of Theories • Knowledge is NEVER static (relative & evolutive) • ! History of juvenile justice • Theories strive for: • Parsimony • Logically sound • Quantitative soundness • Logical soundness • ‘popularity’

  4. Routine Activity Theory (RAT) • L. Cohen & M. Felson ’79: • Elements of deterrence, utilitarianism, and rational choice • Bridges theory and practice • Gives equal wgt to victim and offender • … variations of rational theories:Table 8-1 • Major elements: motivation, suitable target, and absence of capable guardian • Intuitively strong and amenable to social action

  5. CDN study… RAT not account for peer pressure and cultural norms • Overemphasis on role of victim

  6. Social Conflict-based Theories • Long history… ‘heels’ of labelling theory • Critical perspective with modern variations: • Conflict • Marxism • Peacemaking • feminism

  7. Conflict Theory… • Inter-group conflict • Modest support in N.A. • … influence of Archambault and Fateaux Reports • Focus on ID sources of conflict and social processes leading to definitions of crime • Policy… ideas but minimal support

  8. Marxist Theory… • Conflict rooted in class differences • Proletariat vs. bourgeoisie • Inequality tends to increase crime • Unclear as to structural causes • Untestable • … spawned modifications

  9. Peacemaking Theory… • H. Pepinsky & R. Quinney • Humanistic approach to crime causation • Can not punish the act, only the actor • Promote a non-violent approach • “indulge in demoncracy’ • Theorists ? But restorative justice!

  10. Feminist perspectives… • C. Lombroso vs. F. Adler • Dominance of male based explanations • Significant impact on theory and CJ • Rape laws • Redefining gender crimes • Gender relations to criminology • Broaden level of awareness…

  11. Variations of Feminist Perspectives • Liberalism: equality and freedom of choice • Socialism: gender oppression and capitalism • Radicalism: patriarchy and male aggression • Marxist: capitalism the vehicle for oppression and exploitation

  12. Left-realism • Shift from ‘blaming’ the ruling class and capitalism • J. Young and J. Lea • Heavy reliance on victimization data • SIX BASIC PREMISES • Crime is a problem; reality behind the appearance; take crime seriously; circumstances of offender & victim; policing; conventional and non-conventional crime

  13. Best strategy for crime control… • crime prevention • e.g., community based policing • victim compensation • improve socio-economic conditions • political response or criminological theory? • ?able conception of working class • operational issues

  14. General Theory of Crime • A ‘displaced’ theory? • But… multi-factor and integrated theoretical approach • ‘Overemphasis’ of self-control • Roots in control theory • Premised on notion that we are rational; that sanctions can deter; that certainty and severity works (Classical School)

  15. M. Gottfredson and T. Hirschi • … beyond self-control • integrated elements of bio-social, psychological, routine activity, and rational choice theories • low self-control • traits and child-rearing practices • Box 8.7 • positivistic theory with focus on the processes of an act

  16. Bio-social Theory • Tainted by controversy • ‘True’ interdisciplinary or an “end-to-end model” • S. Mednick’s approach: • the Danish link • behaviour triggered by ANS but mitigated by…. • Socialization processes

  17. H. Eysenck’s approach: • personality features inherited (introversion & extroversion) • ANS and central nervous system interact to affect response patterns • role of conditioning

  18. T. Moffit’s approach: • Life course theory • Congenital factors (e.g., heredity, prenatal complications, etc.) • Longitudinal data from NZ • Interaction of biology and social variables… • Both risk and protective factors (Figure 8-2)

  19. Bio-social and “guarded optimism” • How resolve conflict between LAW and SCIENCE? • Risk/fear proactive legal intervention • SUMMARY • Growing number of integrated and interdisciplinary theories • Jury still out… • Current shift towards individualistic approaches vs. voluntaristic

  20. “an important scientific innovation rarely makes its way by gradually winning over and converting its opponents…what happens is that its opponents gradually die out and that the growing generation is familiarized with the idea from the beginning” (Becker & Selden, ’85:330)

  21. Have a good one…

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