Criminology Unit 3 Notes
1. Theories of Crime Causation
a) Biological Theories
• Crime linked to genetics, brain structure, or biochemical imbalances.
• Key theorists: Cesare Lombroso (atavism theory – criminals are
evolutionary throwbacks).
• Modern view: genetics may influence predisposition but environment plays
a role.
b) Psychological Theories
• Crime results from individual mental processes and personality traits.
• Includes psychodynamic theories (Freud – unconscious conflicts),
behavioral theories (learned behavior), and cognitive theories (faulty
reasoning).
• Antisocial Personality Disorder and impulsivity linked to criminality.
c) Sociological Theories
• Focus on social environment’s impact on crime.
1. Strain Theory (Merton):
o Crime results when people experience strain from inability to achieve
culturally approved goals by legitimate means.
2. Social Learning Theory (Bandura):
o Crime is learned behavior through observing and imitating others.
3. Social Control Theory (Hirschi):
, o Crime occurs when social bonds to family, school, or community are
weak or broken.
4. Labeling Theory:
o People become criminals when labeled as such by society;
stigmatization reinforces criminal identity.
5. Conflict Theory:
o Crime is a result of social and economic inequalities; laws are tools of
the powerful to control the less powerful.
2. Types of Crime
a) Violent Crime
• Crimes involving force or threat against a person (murder, assault,
robbery).
b) Property Crime
• Crimes against property (burglary, theft, arson).
c) White-Collar Crime
• Non-violent crime committed by business professionals for financial gain
(fraud, embezzlement).
d) Organized Crime
• Structured groups engaging in illegal activities (drug trafficking,
racketeering).
e) Victimless Crime
• Acts that violate law but do not directly harm others (prostitution, drug
use).
3. Crime Measurement and Reporting
1. Theories of Crime Causation
a) Biological Theories
• Crime linked to genetics, brain structure, or biochemical imbalances.
• Key theorists: Cesare Lombroso (atavism theory – criminals are
evolutionary throwbacks).
• Modern view: genetics may influence predisposition but environment plays
a role.
b) Psychological Theories
• Crime results from individual mental processes and personality traits.
• Includes psychodynamic theories (Freud – unconscious conflicts),
behavioral theories (learned behavior), and cognitive theories (faulty
reasoning).
• Antisocial Personality Disorder and impulsivity linked to criminality.
c) Sociological Theories
• Focus on social environment’s impact on crime.
1. Strain Theory (Merton):
o Crime results when people experience strain from inability to achieve
culturally approved goals by legitimate means.
2. Social Learning Theory (Bandura):
o Crime is learned behavior through observing and imitating others.
3. Social Control Theory (Hirschi):
, o Crime occurs when social bonds to family, school, or community are
weak or broken.
4. Labeling Theory:
o People become criminals when labeled as such by society;
stigmatization reinforces criminal identity.
5. Conflict Theory:
o Crime is a result of social and economic inequalities; laws are tools of
the powerful to control the less powerful.
2. Types of Crime
a) Violent Crime
• Crimes involving force or threat against a person (murder, assault,
robbery).
b) Property Crime
• Crimes against property (burglary, theft, arson).
c) White-Collar Crime
• Non-violent crime committed by business professionals for financial gain
(fraud, embezzlement).
d) Organized Crime
• Structured groups engaging in illegal activities (drug trafficking,
racketeering).
e) Victimless Crime
• Acts that violate law but do not directly harm others (prostitution, drug
use).
3. Crime Measurement and Reporting
