Chapter 2 Causes of Crime © 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 1 Discuss the difference between a hypothesis and a theory in the context of criminology. © 2015 Cengage Learning The Role of Theory • 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. – Hypotheses are tested using the scientific method. © 2015 Cengage Learning © Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. The Role of Theory © 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 2 Contrast positivism with classical criminology. Taimy Alvarez/Sun Sentinel/MCT via Getty Images) © 2015 Cengage Learning The Brain and The Body • Choice Theory – Offenders make the choice to commit crime. – Offenders weigh the expected costs of offending against the expected benefits of offending. – Swift and certain punishment is the most powerful deterrent to criminal offending. © 2015 Cengage Learning The Brain and The Body • Classical Criminology – Crime is an expression of a person’s rational decision-making process. – Before committing a crime, a person weighs the benefits of the crime against the costs of being apprehended. – Cesare Beccaria: “Essays on Crime and Punishments” © 2015 Cengage Learning The Brain and The Body • Positivism – Criminal behavior is determined by biological, psychological, and social forces beyond the control of the individual. – Cesare Lombroso is the “Father of Criminology.” © 2015 Cengage Learning The Brain and The Body • Rational Choice Theory – Before committing a crime, a person acts as if he/she is weighing the benefits against the costs. – If the perceived benefits are greater than the potential costs, the person is more likely to commit the crime. © 2015 Cengage Learning Discussion Question James Holmes • Read the article on James Holmes, p. 36 • Attempt to explain the reasons why Holmes would commit such a horrible crime against many persons. • Discuss your opinion on what should happen to him in the sentencing phase. • Discuss if you believe swift, certain punishment has taken place or if the system would benefit from a speedy trial. © 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 3 Explain how brain-scanning technology is able to help scientists determine if an individual is at risk for criminal offending. © 2015 Cengage Learning The Brain and The Body • Genetics: a branch of biology that deals with traits that are passed through generations. • Hormones and aggression • The brain: – Serotonin – Norepinephrine – Dopamine © 2015 Cengage Learning The Brain and The Body • Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory – The Id, the Ego, and the Superego • Social Psychology – How humans relate to and influence one another • Trait Theory – Biological and psychological views of criminality suggesting that antisocial behavior should be identified and treated before it manifests itself © 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 4 List and describe the three theories of social structure that help explain crime. © 2015 Cengage Learning Stuart Isett/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bad Neighbors and Other Economic Disadvantages • Sociological Theories – The Chicago School and Social Structure Theories • Social disorganization theory – Disorganized zones, value role models • Strain theory – Anomie © 2015 Cengage Learning © Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Bad Neighbors and Other Economic Disadvantages © 2015 Cengage Learning Bad Neighbors and Other Economic Disadvantages • Cultural deviance theory – Subculture – Social Structure Theory and Public Policy • Changing neighborhood conditions can prevent crime. © 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 5 List and briefly explain the three branches of social process theory. © 2015 Cengage Learning Michael DeMocker/The Times-Picayune/Landov Life Lessons & Criminal Behavior • Social Process Theories – Learning Theory – Control Theory – Labeling Theory • Social Process Theory and Public Policy – Crime prevention focuses on juvenile offenders and steering them away from offending and the system. © 2015 Cengage Learning Discussion Question Prostitution Case • Visit the following link: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/05/18 775939-cheerleader-accused-of-prostitutingyounger-student?lite • Discuss this case and apply a social process theory when attempting to justify the actions of the defendant. • Give your overall thoughts on the case as an in-class discussion. © 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 6 Bob Combs/Photo Researchers via Getty Images Describe the importance of early childhood behavior for those who subscribe to selfcontrol theory. © 2015 Cengage Learning Life Lessons & Criminal Behavior • Life Course Theories – Self-Control Theory – Continuity Theory of Crime • Life-Course-Persistent offenders • Adolescent Limited offenders © 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 7 Contrast the medical model of addiction with the criminal model of addiction. Keith Dannermiller/Corbis © 2015 Cengage Learning Link between Drugs & Crime • Social disorganization theory • Control theory • Social learning – Techniques of drug use, perception of effects of drug use, enjoy the social experience of drug use © 2015 Cengage Learning Link between Drugs & Crime © 2015 Cengage Learning Link between Drugs & Crime • Models of Addiction – The Medical Model of Addiction • Addicts are not criminals, but mentally or physically ill individuals who are forced into acts of petty crime to “feed their habit”. – The Criminal Model of Addiction • Illegal drug abusers and addicts endanger society with their behavior and should be punished the same as persons who commit non drug-related crimes. © 2015 Cengage Learning Discussion Question Medical or Criminal? • Divide the class up based on their opinions in comparing the medical model of addiction to the criminal model of addiction. • Why did you choose the side that you did? Defend your answer to the class individually. • As a group, discuss the factors that led to your choice and argue against the opposite opinion group. © 2015 Cengage Learning Learning Objective 8 Explain the theory of the chronic offender and its importance for the criminal justice system. Yakobchuk Vasyl/Shutterstock.com © 2015 Cengage Learning From Theory to Practice • Wolfgang’s Chronic Offender – Career criminal – A small group of offenders (6%) are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime. – Habitual offenders laws provide harsher sentences for repeat offenders. © 2015 Cengage Learning