The routine activities theory is considered to be a form of the positivist school framework.

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The routine activities theory is considered to be a form of the positivist school framework.

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Classical Criminology and Rational Choice Theory

QuestionAnswer
What Is Theory Explanatory framework, research strategies, data analysis and interpretation, reformulation of ideas, policy implications
Positivist School A school of thought that attributed to criminal behaviour to biological or psychological factors - Linked to Darwin and Mendel
Chicago School First school of sociology in USA; contributed to social disorganization theory, cultural transmission theory, differential association, subculutral, sociology of deviance and symbolic interactionism
Psychopathy A personality disordered characterized by lack of empathy and an inability to feel for others
Classical School of Criminology A body of work that emerged in Europe in the 17th and 18th century that argued people have the capacity to think rationally; contemporary deterrence theory is rooted in this school of thought
Rational choice theory Assumes humans are rational and have free will, and that offenders make conscious choices to commit crime based on a cost-benefit analysis
Differential Association Theory Criminal behaviour is learned through the process of social interaction, and that the process includes the learning of criminal skills, motivations, attitudes and rationalizations
How does public policy and opinion shape criminological theory? Ex. If public and polticians believe crime is caused by poor social environment - then we can expect a wellspring of sociological theories explaining crime in those terms, w/ public spport and policy eradicating those conditions
Before the classical school the belief was? Criminals were possessed by evil spirits or demons - "demonology"; Theological theories abot crime; rememdies were of religious nature
Hedonism The view that pleasure is the primary good; pursuit for pleasure
Utilitarianism Philosophy that suggests reasoned decisions will produce the greatest good for the greatest number
Free will A will whose choices are not conditioned or determined by factors external to itself
Beccaria's critiques The use of torture; right to know their accusers and a fair trial; social contract - did not agree society should be able to kill offenders
Bentham's arguments Humans are rational, free-will actors and that behaviour is determined by a hedonistic calculus; Punishments should be restricted only to the amount to achieve deterrence
Impact of the Classical School Codification of criminal offences, innocence until proven guilty, jury trials; idea of mens rea
Lombroso's Atavistic Man The notion that criminals were less evolved than "normal" humans; had distinguishing features like those of apes or neanderthals
Criticisms of Positivist School Disregarding of the relationship between social factors and crime such as poverty or lack of education; the support of the eugenics movement
Somatyping A research technique that links behavioural characteristics to body types, such as mesomorphy
Ectomorph Prone to nervous disorder and anxiety
Mesomorph Aggressive and prone to violence
Endomorph Social and loves to eat LOL.
Bounded Rationality decisions are often made imperfectly as best guesses given available information and time constraints. Decisions are "bounded" by the limits of our knowledge and circumstances so our rationality is bounded.
Utility maximization Choices made based on what one perceives will provide the greatest rewards for the lowest costs
Decisions by crime can be? Impulsive, made with lack of information about the risks involved, or made when the person is intoxicated
4 Steps to Choosing a Criminal Career Initial involvement; the criminal event; continuing involvement; desistence
Crime Scripts The steps in decision making and the sequence of actions for a particular criminal event
Routine Activity Theory Everyday routines and legitimate activities are key determinants of crime opportunities
3 Basic Elements needed for Criminal event A potential offender; a suitable target; absence of a capable guardian
CRAVED STOLEN OBJECTS Concealable; removable; available; valuable; enjoyable; disposable
Ex. of Routine activity theory More valuable items became accessible to steal; modern lifestyle had changed in ways that increased crime "women going to workforce"
Crime Pattern Theory Explains how crime patterns arise; it asserts that crime is not random
Paths Routes along which we, inclding offenders, travel between nodes
Nodes The main place we travel to and from - home, workplace, leisure, entertainment locations, transportation hubs
Edges The area between land uses of different types where crime is more likely -ex. along the road where a high- and low- income hosing area meet
Attractors Places that attract offenders because they have a reputation as good places to commit crime
Generators Places such as train stations and entertainment districts where crime is generated by the interactions of high volumes and suitable targets and potential offenders in places with low guardianship
Crime opportunity theory The umbrella term for the set of theories and concepts that are underpinned by the notion that the level of crime opportunity is the main cause of crime
Situational Crime Prevention Measures taken to reduce crime opportunities. SCP takes into account the nature of the crime, environmental factors that allow for the crime, and the risks and rewards associated with crime
Five broad categories of actions to prevent crime Increase the effort needed to commit a crime; increase the risks of crime; reduce the rewards; reduce provocations; remove excuses
Designing out The concept that crime prevention can start at the design process so that products and places are designed with potential criminal threats or opportunities in mind. ex. CAR ALARMS
Elements of Classical Crim Free will; crime is attractive; control through fear of society's reaction to crime; sever, certain and swift punishment is better for control; punishment sufficient to make crime unattractive; hedonistic principle
Supporting evidence to why crime is rational Timing, location, characterisitcs of crime victims, learning
Conflicting evidence to rationality Expressive and illogical violence, self-destructive behaviours, high rates of reoffending of those who received harsh punishments

What is routine activities theory quizlet?

The routine activity theory suggests that a motivated offender is discouraged from committing a crime in the presence of capable guardians.In contrast, when a motivated offender spots a suitable target in the absence of capable guardians, the offender is more likely to commit a crime.

What is opportunity theory in criminology?

Crime Opportunity Theory suggests that when an individual wants to commit a crime, they look for an opportunity or a practical target. For example, if a city neighborhood offers no off-street parking, it may be a prime target for vehicle thefts.

What is lifestyle theory criminology?

Lifestyle theory suggests that certain people may become the victims of crimes because of their lifestyles and choices. For example, someone with a gambling or substance addiction could be as an “easy victim” by a con artist.

Which of the following theories emphasizes all important factors that go into a person's decision to engage or not engage in a particular act?

Rational choice theory is a perspective that criminologists adapted from economists, who used it to explain a vari- ety of individual decisions regarding a variety of behaviors. This framework emphasizes all the important factors that go into a person's decision to engage or not engage in a particular act.