Classical & Rational Choice
Which 18th-century philosopher, considered the father of classical criminology, argued that punishments should be swift, certain, and proportional to deter crime?
Which Austrian neurologist developed psychoanalytic theory, asserting that human behavior, including criminal deviance, is driven by unconscious mental processes and conflicts between the id, ego, and superego?
Who is Sigmund Freud?
According to Robert K. Merton, this term describes a state of "normlessness" or cultural breakdown that occurs when there is a disconnect between society's goals (like financial success) and the legal means available to achieve them.
What is Anomie?
Developed by Edwin Sutherland, this famous learning theory states that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others, where a person absorbs more definitions favorable to breaking the law than definitions favorable to obeying it.
What is Differential Association Theory?
This broad branch of criminology argues that crime is not simply individual wrongdoing, but is defined and shaped by power dynamics, where the rich and powerful use the criminal justice system to control less powerful groups in society.
What is conflict theory?
Which 19th-century Italian criminologist proposed the concept of the 'atavistic criminal,' suggesting criminals were biological throwbacks to earlier evolutionary stages?
Who is Cesare Lombroso?
Which 1940s somatotype theory proposed that individuals with muscular, athletic body builds—known as mesomorphs—were most predisposed to delinquent and criminal behavior?
What is William Sheldon's Somatotype Theory?
Robert Agnew expanded Merton's work into General Strain Theory (GST). Which of the following is NOT one of the three major categories of strain identified by Agnew?
What are biological predispositions toward aggressive reactions?
Edwin Sutherland's Differential Association Theory posits that criminal behavior is learned primarily through interaction with others. How many core principles did Sutherland outline in his formulation?
What is 9?
Critical criminology draws heavily from the work of which 19th-century philosopher, arguing that law and criminal justice systems are tools used by the ruling class to maintain power over the working class?
Who is Karl Marx?
According to Cohen and Felson's Routine Activity Theory, crime occurs when a motivated offender intersects in time and space with which two other essential elements?
What are a suitable target and an absence of a capable guardian?
In psychoanalytic theory, Sigmund Freud posited that criminal behavior can result from an overbearing or underdeveloped structure of the personality responsible for moral conscience. Which component is this?
What is the Superego?
Robert K. Merton's Strain Theory identifies five modes of individual adaptation to institutionalized means and cultural goals. Which mode describes individuals who accept social goals but reject legitimate means, opting for crime instead?
What is Innovation?
Travis Hirschi's Social Bond Theory identifies four elements that tie individuals to conventional society: Attachment, Commitment, Involvement, and which fourth element?
What is Belief?
Which feminist criminological perspective argues that gender inequality stems from the unequal power distribution in capitalist societies, where men control both economic resources and female labor?
What is Marxist/Socialist Feminism?