Introduction to Criminology (SG1019)

Lecture notes containing the emergence of criminology and contexts of criminological studies as a distinctive discipline. What is criminology? How does Criminology affect our daily lives? What shapes knowledge and understanding of crime? How do we define crime and how is crime recorded and reported by different members of society and groups such as communities, media/press and politicians?

How women offenders have been stereotyped, distorted and side lined within mainstream criminology. The role of feminist criminology in drawing attention to gendering and the explanations feminist criminology offers abut why women ( and men ) offend. Injustices arising as a result of the treatment of women victims and offenders. Looking at the differences between men and women in crime and criminology. The characteristics of female criminals. Strength and weaknesses of Feminist Crimino...

What is Control Theory in Criminology? examples of Control Theory in Criminology Strengths and weaknesses of Control Theory. Lecture slides of social control theory as an explanation for crime, criminal behaviour and its relevance to deviance. Looking at the work of Travis Hirschi and the concept of social identity and social controls. Examining the different viewpoints in social control theory and looking at how criminals fall under certain categories. Discussing the history of the contr...

What is Marxist Criminology? What are the differences in crime between the rich and the poor? How did Karl Marx contribute to Criminology? Strengths and Weaknesses of Marxist Criminology The political economy of crime, control functions of criminal law in capitalist society and the criminalisation processes that protect the class system. Examining and considering the notion of the 'authoritarian state' and the explanations it provides for crime, laws and social controls in neo-liberal ...

What is Structural Functionalism? Functionalist theories of Crime Examples of Structural Functionalism Basic concepts of Structural Functionalism What do functionalists like about crime? Lecture slides as Crime as a sociological phenomenon and look at the explanations from Emile Durkheim whose work is the basis for Structural Functionalism. Considering concepts such as the normality of crime, the social function of crime and punishment including its importance for social solidarity and nor...

Exploring classical thoughts on Criminology dating back to the eighteenth century Discussing classical views about individuals and classical explanations of victims, criminals and crime control measures. Mainly looking at Beccaria and Bentham on criminological perspectives? Who are these Criminologists , what views do they impose and their explanations. Features of different crimes and their categories they fall under How does 18th century Criminology relate to modern society?

Social conformity and its effect on communities and individuals by looking at the concept of anomie by Robert Merton. Discusses the contextual arguments for crime and deviance as a consequence of social strain and the links between social structure, acculturation and crime. Key criminologists such as Merton and Durkheim. Looking at several cultures and social structures in relation to crime and criminals. How does Strain Theory link to criminology and the world? How does Anomie Link with C...

What is the definition of Urban Crime? What are the causes of Urban Crime? Consequences of Urban Crime Examples of Urban Crime. Consider the relevance of crime distribution, what it means and what influences it. Refers to work carried out by the University of Chicago in the 1920's and 1930's into the development of a city and how urbanisation, industrialisation and migration influences and or give rise to social life, crime and criminal activity. Key Criminologists such as Sutherland , ...

What is Labelling theory in Criminology? What are the strength and weaknesses of Labelling theory Evaluation and critical analysis of labelling Theory. Labelling theory of Crime. The nature of social reaction and intervention by social control agencies in relation to deviance and crime. Considers the distinction between primary and secondary definitions of deviance against the backdrop of labelling and identify formation. Looking at several theories of Labelling Theory. Key Criminologis...

What is Positivist Criminology? Differences in Positivist criminology examples of positivist Criminology The emergence of positivist criminology and its historical development including its contemporary relevance to crime and justice. What are the differences between men and women in crime different viewpoints in criminology? Looking at classical and positivist criminology Key Criminologists talking about the biology of crime what differences in viewpoints are there and the critical ev...