Chapter 5 Flashcards

Front 1

atavism

Back 1

A historical theory of criminology holding that persons were born criminals as the result of inherited traits. This theory has been discredited by modern criminologists. (Chapter 5)

CESARE LOMBROSO

Front 2

atavistic

Back 2

Under the theory of atavism, the term referred to persons who were born criminals. (Chapter 5)

Front 3

classical criminology

Back 3

A set of explanations for crime based on the concept of free will, or the idea that individuals simply choose whether or not to commit a criminal act. (Chapter 5)

Front 4

concentric zone theory

Back 4

Explains criminality in cities by suggesting that multiple zones, diagramed as concentric circles, emerge from the city’s center. The theory holds that crime is most likely to occur in the transitional zone, which is described as a residential community undergoing transition to commercial or industrial uses and marked by social disorganization. (Chapter 5)

Front 5

conflict criminology

Back 5

Suggests that crime is a consequence of the oppression of the lower classes by rich and powerful elites. (Chapter 5)

Front 6

criminologist

Back 6

A scholar of criminology, studying crime trends and why persons commit criminal acts. (Chapter 5)

Front 7

criminology

Back 7

The scientific study of crime trends, the nature of crime, and explanations for why persons commit crimes. (Chapters 1, 5

Front 8

delinquent subcultures

Back 8

A criminological theory suggesting that some youth create their own system of values and norms, or their own subculture, to acquire the status they seek. In doing so, members of the subculture may turn to crime. (Chapter 5)

Front 9

demonology

Back 9

A historical perspective on criminology that attributes criminal behavior to the influence of evil spirits of demons. This theory has been rejected by modern criminologists. (Chapter 5)

Front 10

deviance

Back 10

Behaviors that violate society’s expectations, beliefs, standards, or values. As such, deviance refers to any departure from behaviors that are typical, acceptable, or accepted. Therefore, deviant behaviors violate social norms and generate negative reactions from the agents of social control. Crime is one form of deviance. (Chapters 1, 4, 5)

Front 11

differential association theory

Back 11

Suggests that criminal behavior occurs because offenders learn it from others. (Chapter 5)

Front 12

feminist criminology

Back 12

A criminological perspective that examines the relationship between gender inequality, male dominance, and the exploitation of women under capitalism. Feminist criminologists focus on gender differences in crime, female offenders and victims, and gender inequities in the division of labor. (Chapter 5)

Front 13

labeling theory

Back 13

Assumes that once society places a label on a person, that individual will self-identify with the label and behave accordingly. If a person is labeled as a delinquent, deviant, or criminal, the theory suggests that the person will accept that label and therefore engage in delinquent, deviant, or criminal activity. (Chapter 5)

Front 14

life course theory

Back 14

Explores how involvement in criminal activity changes as offenders grow older and encounter new life circumstances. (Chapter 5)

Front 15

neutralization theory

Back 15

Suggests that crime occurs because offenders justify their criminal behavior through a series of neutralizations or excuses, including denial of responsibility, denial of injury, denial of the victim, condemnation of the condemners, and appeal to higher loyalties. (Chapter 5)

Front 16

rational choice theory

Back 16

An explanation for crime suggesting that offenders use a strategic thinking process to evaluate the potential rewards and risks from committing a crime and make their decision accordingly about whether or not to commit the crime. (Chapter 5)

Front 17

routine activities theory

Back 17

Views crime and victimization as a function of people’s everyday behavior, habits, lifestyle, living conditions, and social interactions. Suggests that crime occurs when three elements converge: a motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of capable guardians. (Chapter 5)

Front 18

social control theory

Back 18

Suggests that crime occurs when an individual’s bonds to society are weak or broken. Bonds include attachment to prosocial persons and organizations, commitment to prosocial goals, involvement in prosocial activities, and belief in a common set of prosocial values and morals. (Chapter 5)

Front 19

social disorganization theory

Back 19

Focuses on the community environmental factors that may lead to crime, including poverty, breakdown of family and social institutions, high turnover of residents, and lack of attachment to the community. (Chapter 5)

Front 20

strain theory

Back 20

Suggests that crime occurs when members of society, predominantly the lower socioeconomic class, are unable to achieve goals valued by society (principally, the accumulation of wealth). Failure to achieve goals results in frustration, leading some to turn to criminal activity to achieve goals. (Chapter 5)