SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT IN CRIMINOLOGY | DISCUSSION

Summary

This video explores key criminological theories, starting with classical criminology, which emphasizes free will, the choice between criminal and lawful actions, and the impact of punishment in deterring crime. It also touches on utilitarianism, where actions are judged based on the pleasure or pain they produce. The video then transitions to neoclassical criminology, discussing 19th-century developments, including biological and psychological influences on behavior, criminal typology, and the scientific study of crime. Key figures such as Cesare Lombroso and the Chicago School are highlighted in the context of criminological research.

Takeaways

• 😀 Classical criminology is rooted in the belief that people have free will to choose criminal or lawful actions to meet their needs or solve problems.
• 😀 The utilitarian view in classical criminology suggests that crime may offer more utility than conformity, as it typically requires less effort for greater rewards.
• 😀 A person's choice of criminal behavior is often influenced by the fear of punishment.
• 😀 The severity, certainty, and swiftness of punishment play a crucial role in deterring criminal behavior in classical criminology.
• 😀 Classical criminology incorporates the idea of hedonism, where individuals are seen as rational calculators weighing pleasure and pain before taking action.
• 😀 Neoclassical criminology emerged in the 19th century and combined classical criminology beliefs with the recognition of biological and psychological factors in human behavior.
• 😀 The neoclassical approach emphasizes the use of the scientific method and experimental techniques to study crime, including the development of criminal typologies.
• 😀 Cesare Lombroso, often referred to as the father of criminology, contributed significantly to the development of criminological theory, particularly in relation to the biological basis of criminal behavior.
• 😀 The Chicago School of criminology focused on urban sociology, studying how environmental and social factors influence criminal behavior in cities like Chicago.
• 😀 Determinism, a key concept in neoclassical criminology, suggests that criminal behavior is influenced by factors beyond an individual's control, such as biological and psychological elements.

Q & A

What is the core idea behind classical criminology?

Classical criminology is based on the belief that individuals have free will to choose whether to commit crimes or follow the law. The theory emphasizes rational decision-making, where people weigh the potential rewards of crime against the risks of punishment.

What are the key elements of classical criminology?

The key elements of classical criminology include: 1) People have free will to choose criminal behavior. 2) Criminal behavior is often more attractive due to less effort required for greater rewards. 3) Fear of punishment can deter criminal choices. 4) Punishment should be severe, certain, and swift to effectively control crime.

How does utilitarianism relate to classical criminology?

Utilitarianism, which is central to classical criminology, posits that individuals act in ways that maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Criminals are seen as rational beings who choose criminal actions when they perceive them as offering greater utility (pleasure) than the consequences of conformity.

What role does the concept of 'hedonism' play in classical criminology?

In classical criminology, hedonism refers to the idea that people are motivated by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. Criminal behavior is viewed as a rational choice where individuals seek pleasure (or avoid pain) by committing crimes.

What is the significance of punishment in classical criminology?

Punishment is a central concept in classical criminology. It is believed that the more severe, certain, and swift the punishment, the more effectively it can deter criminal behavior. The idea is that individuals will refrain from crime if the consequences are clear and impactful.

How does neoclassical criminology differ from classical criminology?

Neoclassical criminology, which emerged in the 19th century, builds on classical criminology but incorporates factors such as biological and psychological influences on behavior. It acknowledges that not all individuals may act purely out of rational choice and considers circumstances like mental state or social environment.

What is the role of biological and psychological factors in neoclassical criminology?

Neoclassical criminology incorporates the idea that biological and psychological factors influence human behavior. It moves away from the purely rational framework of classical criminology and emphasizes the need to consider individual differences, mental health, and other influences when studying crime.

What is the concept of 'determinism' in criminology?

Determinism in criminology refers to the belief that certain factors, such as biological, psychological, or social influences, determine an individual's behavior. Unlike classical criminology, which focuses on free will, determinism suggests that crime may be influenced by factors outside of an individual's control.

What was the contribution of Cesare Lombroso to criminology?

Cesare Lombroso, often referred to as the 'father of criminology,' contributed the idea of criminal anthropology. He believed that criminal behavior was biologically determined and could be identified through physical characteristics, such as facial features or skull shape, which he thought indicated a predisposition to crime.

What is the significance of the Chicago School in criminology?

The Chicago School of criminology focused on the social environment's role in shaping criminal behavior, particularly in urban settings. Sociologists like Ernest Burgess studied how social structures, such as neighborhoods, influence crime rates. Their work highlighted the importance of environmental factors in understanding criminal behavior.