Critical Criminological Theory

In efforts to study crime, criminologists began to grasp the idea that just one theory could not meticulously reveal the true cause of crime. Because of this, we now have an abundance of criminological theories that work collectively to detect the underlying cause of certain criminal acts or criminal offenders. While most theories are in conjunction, such as socialization and the roots of concentric zoning, critical criminology contrasts with the views and theories found in mainstream criminology. Critical criminology is a branch of criminology which looks at the broader picture of crime, and reveals the unequal distribution of power as a key concept in why crime occurs. Although different in various ways, critical criminology relates to …show more content…
The latter offense causes countless amounts of social harm, lasting some people the rest of their lives, and not one person was imprisoned for their crime. Because no one was physically harmed or verbally threatened, this case is looked at as a “victimless crime,” even though thousands of people lost their life-savings, their homes, and everything they have worked for. This can be looked at as a result of Chambliss and Seidman’s theory of Law, Order, and Power where they believe that “laws will not be equally enforced, allowing the members of the ruling class to more readily break the law without consequence” (pg. 167). Critical criminologists bring to light the inequalities within our Criminal Justice System. The theorists behind critical criminology believe that “true crimes” of the rich and powerful will not be handled in the same way that crimes of the poor and less-fortunate are. Crimes of the impoverished are in the spotlight of our Criminal Justice System, while the crimes of the rich and powerful are swept under the