Theory Tweets 140 Character Summaries of Popular Criminological Theories Justin W. Patchin, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (CRMJ 301)

Theory Main Theorist(s) Summary Classical school of Beccaria Crime is inherently rewarding. People offend based on a free will choice. To prevent, must punish so potential benefit not worth it. Positivist school of Lombroso Born criminals. Crime caused by something beyond person’s control (usually biological criminology or psychological). Social disorganization Park & Burgess; Shaw & High mobility areas result in inability of neighbors to organize in defense of common McKay; Sampson values. Physical disorder symbols of social breakdown. Broken Windows Wilson and Kelling Criminal behavior thrives in areas where residents are apathetic toward their environment and neighbors (absence of ). General theory of crime Gottfredson & Hirschi Crime & a result of low self-control. One’s level of self-control stabile at age 8. Opportunity also important. Social bonding theory Hirschi Our bond (attachment, commitment, involvement, belief) to parents & others restrains our innate desire to engage in deviance. Strain theory Merton Pursuit of American Dream (wealth accumulation) is main cause of crime. Some will do (classic/) whatever is necessary to acquire $$$. Strain theory Cloward & Ohlin Illegitimate means to achieve wealth are also inaccessible to some. Perception is that joining a gang increases opportunities. Strain theory Cohen Some youth are unable to achieve middle-class standards so they supplant legit pursuits with desire to achieve status/respect among peers. General strain theory Agnew Strain plus negative affect equals crime. 3 sources: inability to achieve; something valued removed; something painful introduced. Sutherland We believe and behave in ways that are consistent with those in our lives who we value. theory Peers important. Social learning theory Akers Criminal behaviors are learned in the same way that other behaviors are learned. Rewards, , reinforcements, imitation. Subcultural theories Miller; Anderson; Certain groups have different values and incentives than dominant culture. Wolfgang & Ferracuti Honor/respect esteemed over all else (even life and freedom). theory Beccaria; Patternoster People will refrain from criminal behavior if the cost is great enough. Penalty must be swift, certain, and sufficiently severe. Rational choice theory Clarke & Cornish Potential criminals weigh possible costs versus possible benefits when deciding whether to offend. Behavior a function of opportunity. Routine activities theory Cohen & Felson Crime occurs when motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of capable guardian converge. Tannenbaum; Lemert If society defines a person as a criminal, deviant, felon, or troublemaker, that person will organize life & behaviors around those titles.

Theory Main Theorist(s) Summary Braithwaite Shame is most important in understanding criminal’s motives. When stigmatized by society, crime more likely. When reintegrated, less likely. Feminist criminology theory Adler; Simon Patriarchy (male domination) main cause of crime. Gender socialization also important. Further liberation may increase female crime. Conflict theory Marx There’s conflict over values & scarce resources. Mediated by those who have power in a way that benefits them at the expense of others. Developmental theory Moffitt; Sampson & Laub Different experiences over life course influence one’s risk of offending. Risk highest in adolescence. Transitions important. Control balance Tittle When one has excess of control over others or lack of control over their own circumstances, they’re predisposed to crime. Integrated theory Elliott, Huizinga, & Ageton Borrows ideas from various other perspectives and combines them in a way that makes sense and explains more crime. General Theory of Crime Agnew Crime likely when constraints against it are low & motivations for it are high. Self, , peers, work, & school domains important.