Chapter 2
Causes of Crime
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Learning Objective 1
Discuss the difference between a
hypothesis and a theory in the context of
criminology.
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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.
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The Role of Theory
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Learning Objective 2
Contrast positivism with classical
criminology.
Taimy Alvarez/Sun Sentinel/MCT via Getty Images)
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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.
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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”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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Learning Objective 3
Explain how brain-scanning technology is
able to help scientists determine if an
individual is at risk for criminal offending.
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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
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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
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Learning Objective 4
List and describe the three theories of
social structure that help explain crime.
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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
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Bad Neighbors and Other Economic
Disadvantages
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Bad Neighbors and Other Economic
Disadvantages
• Cultural deviance theory
– Subculture
– Social Structure Theory and Public Policy
• Changing neighborhood conditions can prevent crime.
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Learning Objective 5
List and briefly explain the three branches
of social process theory.
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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.
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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.
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Learning Objective 6
Bob Combs/Photo Researchers via Getty Images
Describe the importance of early childhood
behavior for those who subscribe to selfcontrol theory.
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Life Lessons & Criminal Behavior
• Life Course Theories
– Self-Control Theory
– Continuity Theory of Crime
• Life-Course-Persistent offenders
• Adolescent Limited offenders
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Learning Objective 7
Contrast the medical model of addiction
with the criminal model of addiction.
Keith Dannermiller/Corbis
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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
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Link between Drugs & Crime
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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.
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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.
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Learning Objective 8
Explain the theory of the chronic offender
and its importance for the criminal justice
system.
Yakobchuk Vasyl/Shutterstock.com
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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.
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