Summary

Overview of Theories/Summary Theories Advanced Criminology (RGBUSTR011)

0 purchase

Course
Advanced Criminology (RGBUSTR011)

Institution
Universiteit Utrecht (UU)

This document contains a brief summary of all theories covered in the Advanced Criminology course. The summary is written in English and provides a concise, clear and concise explanation of each theory. Each theory is explained succinctly and supplemented with AI where necessary. This document ...

[Show more]

Preview 2 out of 11 pages

View example

Uploaded on April 7, 2024
Number of pages 11
Written in 2023/2024
Type Summary

classical school theory
rational choice theory
routine activities theory
italian school approach
attachment theory
behavioral theory
psychoanalytic theory
cultural conflict theory
focal concerns theor

Institution
Universiteit Utrecht (UU)
Education
Sociologie
Course
Advanced Criminology (RGBUSTR011)

$5.57

Add to cart

Save

100% satisfaction guarantee
Immediately available after payment
Both online and in PDF
No strings attached

Classical Theories
 Classical School Theory
 Rational Choice Theory
 Routine Activities Theory
 Control Theory

Classical School Theory: Individuals are rational actors who make choices based on their
own self-interest. This theory suggests that the threat of punishment serves as a deterrent.
Punishment is seen as a necessary and just response to criminal behavior, it should be
proportionate to the crime and not excessive (Cesare Beccaria). Beccaria also supported the
idea of hedonism, which refers to the idea that individuals engage in criminal behavior as a
result of seeking pleasure or avoiding pain. The Classical School Theory is based on ideas of
utilitarianism, which holds that the goal of society should be to maximize happiness and
minimize pain, so punishment should serve the greatest good for the greatest number (Jeremy
Bentham).

Rational Choice Theory: Individuals are rational actors who make decisions based on a
cost-benefit analysis to engage in criminal activities when the perceived benefits outweigh
the perceived costs. Circumstances, situations, and possibilities influence decisions, as these
factors are taken into account in the calculations of the cost-benefit analysis. This theory
suggests that the threat of punishment serves as a deterrent. The punishment should be
proportionate to the severity of the crime. Strategies for controlling crime:
o General deterrence: people will commit crime and delinquency if they perceive that
the benefits outweigh the risks. Crime is a function of severity, certainty and speed of
punishment.
o Specific deterrence: If punishment is severe enough, criminals will not repeat their
illegal act(s). The emphasis is on discouraging the same individual from engaging in
crime again through the use of punishment.
o Incapacitation: Keeping known criminals out of circulation by removing them from
society will reduce the crime rate.

Routine Activities Theory: Crime is a function of the convergence of three elements: (1) a
motivated offender, (2) a suitable target, and (3) a lack of capable guardianship. A
motivated offender refers to someone with the inclination to commit a crime, driven by
various factors such as economic need or personal grievances. A suitable target refers to an
object of person that is attractive to a potential offender due to factors like perceived value
and accessibility. The lack of a capable guardian refers to the absence of someone or
something that could prevent the crime, such as law enforcement or surveillance. This theory
is seen as an extension of the Rational Choice Theory.

Control Theory: Individuals are inherently inclined toward criminal behavior, and social
bonds are necessary to prevent them from engaging in such behavior. The stronger an
individual’s social bonds, the less likely they are to commit crimes. The role of self-control is
emphasized in preventing criminal behavior; individuals with low self-control are impulsive,

, risk-taking, and prone to pursuing short-term gratification without considering long-term
consequences. Four social bonds that influence an individual’s likelihood of engaging in
criminal behavior:
o Attachment: The emotional connection and affection individuals have for others, such
as family, friends, or institutions.
o Commitment: The investment of time, energy, and effort in conventional activities,
such as education or career pursuits.
o Involvement: Participation in conventional activities that leave less time and
opportunity for deviant behavior.
o Belief: The acceptance and internalization of societal values and norms.

Biological Theories
 Older Biological Theories:
o Phrenology
o Italian School Approach & Atavism
o Somatotyping
 Contemporary Biological Theories:
o Twin studies
o Adoption Studies
o Genetics: XYY-chromosomes (“supermales”)

Phrenology: The study of the formation of the skull as indicative of mental capacities and
character traits. The brain is divided into distinct regions, each responsible for different
aspects of personality, intelligence, and behavior. Specific areas of the skull are associated
with particular mental faculties or traits. Phrenologists claimed that by examining the bumps
on an individual’s skull, they could identify the strengths and weaknesses of various mental
faculties.

Italian School Approach: This theory emphasizes the role of biology and the physical
characteristics of individuals in understanding criminal behavior. One of the key elements in
atavism, which refers to the idea that some individuals tend to revert to something ancient or
ancestral; certain individuals exhibit traits reminiscent of less evolved, more primitive stages
of human development. Lombroso introduced the concept of “born criminals” which refers
to the idea that some individuals are biologically more determined to engage in criminal
activities. Lombroso identified “stigmata of criminality”, physical signs that indicated a
person’s criminal tendencies, such as a sloping forehead or a large jaw.

Somatotyping: This theory correlates human body types with personality traits and criminal
tendencies. Individuals can be classified into three primary body types:
1. Endomorph: round or soft physique, with a tendency to store fat. Individuals are
guided by their mouth and stomach which leads to delinquency and fraud.

The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:

Guaranteed quality through customer reviews

Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.

Quick and easy check-out

You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.

Focus on what matters

Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!

Frequently asked questions

What do I get when I buy this document?

You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.

Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?

Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.

Who am I buying these notes from?

Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller laarnink. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.

Will I be stuck with a subscription?

No, you only buy these notes for $5.57. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.

Can Stuvia be trusted?

4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)

64257 documents were sold in the last 30 days

Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 15 years now

Start selling