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 Share a common goal (crime control) Interest in (criminal/deviant) human

behaviour Developmental criminology vs. integrating

criminologies

Evolution of Theories Knowledge is NEVER static (relative

& evolutive) ! History of juvenile justice Theories strive for:

Parsimony Logically sound Quantitative soundness Logical soundness ‘popularity’

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

CDN study… RAT not account for peer pressure and cultural norms

Overemphasis on role of victim

Social Conflict-based Theories Long history… ‘heels’ of labelling

theory Critical perspective with modern

variations: Conflict Marxism Peacemaking feminism

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

Marxist Theory…

Conflict rooted in class differences Proletariat vs. bourgeoisie

Inequality tends to increase crime Unclear as to structural causes Untestable … spawned modifications

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

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…

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

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

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

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)

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

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

H. Eysenck’s approach: personality features inherited

(introversion & extroversion) ANS and central nervous system

interact to affect response patterns role of conditioning

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)

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

“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)

Have a good one…