Perkembangan Kriminologi (Bagian 1)

Summary

This video explores the development of criminology, starting from classical criminology and progressing through 19th-century positivism. It covers key figures like Cesare Beccaria, who advocated for more humane punishments, and delves into positivism, highlighting the use of scientific methods to study crime. The video discusses how crime is linked to both physical traits and psychological factors, with figures like Cesare Lombroso contributing to the idea of biological determinism. It also touches on the social construction of crime in modern societies, particularly during the industrial revolution, as shifts in social norms and values led to changing perceptions of criminal behavior.

Takeaways

• 😀 The evolution of criminology includes multiple phases, starting with classical criminology and advancing through the 19th-century positivism and contemporary approaches.
• 😀 Classical criminology emerged in the mid-18th century, with thinkers like Cesare Beccaria advocating for more rational and humane punishments instead of cruel practices like the death penalty.
• 😀 Beccaria proposed that the best way to control crime was through imprisonment, as opposed to public executions.
• 😀 The positivist movement in criminology, which started in the 19th century, introduced the use of scientific methods to study crime, marking a shift from classical criminology's focus on laws and punishments.
• 😀 Auguste Comte, a key figure in positivism, applied the scientific method to sociology to better understand and address societal problems, including crime.
• 😀 Positivism emphasizes understanding crime through the study of human behavior and incorporates scientific methods to analyze criminal phenomena.
• 😀 Physiognomy, as part of biological positivism, explored the idea that physical features (e.g., face, ears, and eyes) could indicate a propensity for criminal behavior.
• 😀 Phrenology, promoted by Franz Josef Gall and others, also attempted to correlate physical features (such as skull shape) with criminal tendencies, though it is now considered a discredited pseudoscience.
• 😀 Later criminologists, like Cesare Lombroso, argued that crime was biologically determined, rejecting the concept of free will and instead suggesting that criminal behavior was inherent in certain individuals.
• 😀 Social positivism argued that crime is a social construct, defined by societal norms and values. Changes in society, such as industrialization, could lead to new forms of crime, which were influenced by shifts in values and norms.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of criminology during the classical criminology period?

The primary focus of classical criminology is on the relationship between crime and punishment, advocating for a rational approach to legal systems. It emphasizes that punishments should be fair, balanced, and proportional to the crime.

Who is Cesare Beccaria and what was his contribution to criminology?

Cesare Beccaria was an influential philosopher who argued for the abolition of cruel punishments, such as the death penalty, and advocated for more moderate penalties like imprisonment. He believed that crime should be punished in a way that deters further offenses and ensures justice.

What distinguishes positivism in criminology from classical criminology?

Positivism in criminology introduced the use of scientific methods to study crime and its causes, focusing on biological, psychological, and social factors. Unlike classical criminology, which emphasized rationality and free will, positivism seeks to understand the underlying causes of criminal behavior.

How did Auguste Comte influence criminology?

Auguste Comte, the founder of sociology, introduced the idea of applying scientific methods to the study of social phenomena, including crime. His approach laid the foundation for the use of empirical research and data collection in criminology.

What role did physical characteristics play in early criminological theories?

In early criminological theories, such as physiognomy and phrenology, physical characteristics like the shape of the face, skull, and body were believed to be linked to criminal behavior. These theories suggested that criminals could be identified based on their physical traits.

What is biological determinism in criminology, and who is associated with it?

Biological determinism in criminology suggests that criminal behavior is determined by biological factors rather than free will. Cesare Lombroso is a key figure associated with this theory, as he believed that criminals could be identified by certain physical traits, and that crime was an inherited characteristic.

What is the concept of psychopathy in criminology, and how does it relate to crime?

Psychopathy refers to individuals who exhibit abnormal or antisocial behavior due to psychological factors, rather than biological or physical causes. Early research suggested a link between psychopathy and criminal behavior, with the belief that mental illness or personality disorders could lead to criminal actions.

What is the difference between Lombroso's theory of biological determinism and the theory of free will?

Lombroso's theory of biological determinism argues that criminal behavior is inherited and linked to physical traits, implying that individuals have little control over their actions. In contrast, the theory of free will suggests that individuals are capable of making rational choices and should be held accountable for their decisions.

What role does social construction play in the positivist school of criminology?

In the positivist school of criminology, social construction theory posits that crime is not an inherent quality of certain acts but rather a product of societal values. This means that what is considered a crime can change depending on the social, cultural, and historical context.

How did industrialization influence crime according to positivism?

Industrialization, as part of social change, led to shifts in societal norms and values, which contributed to changes in criminal behavior. The transition from agrarian to industrial societies caused economic, social, and cultural disruptions, which were seen as factors that increased crime.