Assignment 1 LASA 2 Criminology Matrix Timeline And What Mak

Assignment 1 Lasa 2 Criminology Matrix Timeline And What Makes A Go

Organize the information you have learned in this course and complete the following points: 1. Demographic Information : a. Select 12 (APA 6 only requires numbers to be spelled out to nine, 10 and above are ok numerically) theories and arrange them in chronological order in a column. Be sure to select at least two to three theories from each criminological category (biological and psychological). b. Identify the year and period of time in which each theory originated. c. Identify the theorist or theorists associated with each theory. d. Examine the history and origination location of each theory. 2. Empirical Foundation : Examine the foundational research that grounded each theory and any current research that supports the theory today. 3. Theoretical Components : a. Identify each theory's school of thought and the type of theory it is (biological and psychological). b. Examine the major premises of each theory. c. Examine the minor premises of each theory. 4. Application : Examine where the theory has been used in practice or how it is being used in the criminal justice system today. Explain what makes a good theory. Address the following questions for each theory: 1. How does the theory address the problem of crime? 2. How are cultural influences on crime integrated into the theory? 3. What solutions for the individual, family, community, and society does the theory suggest? Optional : Create any additional column headings with information you believe is important to understand each theory, its explanation of criminal behavior, and its application to the criminal justice system.

Paper For Above instruction

The study of criminology encompasses a diverse array of theories that attempt to explain the origins and motivations behind criminal behaviors. Organizing these theories chronologically and understanding their core principles, empirical support, and practical application are essential steps toward grasping the multifaceted nature of crime. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of twelve criminological theories, covering both biological and psychological perspectives, detailing their historical context, foundational research, theoretical components, and current relevance in the criminal justice system.

Demographic Overview of Criminological Theories

The first step involves selecting twelve significant criminological theories, ensuring representation from both biological and psychological domains. Among the biological theories, we consider traits theorized in Cesare Lombroso's atavism (late 19th century) and Sheldon’s somatotype theory (1940s). Psychological theories include Freud’s psychoanalytic theory (early 20th century) and the differential association theory of Edwin Sutherland (1939). The chronological arrangement begins with Cesare Lombroso’s theory originating in Italy in the 1870s, marking the emergence of biological positivism, followed by Sheldon’s theory in the 1940s based on physical body types. On the psychological side, Freud’s psychoanalytic theory appeared in Austria around 1900, while Sutherland’s differential association was developed in the United States just prior to World War II. Other theories incorporated include the social learning theory of Ronald Akers, which extends Sutherland’s ideas, and the biological theories like Wilson and Herrnstein's integrated biological approach developed in the late 20th century. This diverse selection illustrates the evolution of criminological thinking over time.

Empirical Foundation of Theories

The foundational research supporting these theories varies from early case studies to contemporary neurobiological and psychological research. Lombroso’s theory was based on comparative studies of criminal and non-criminal populations in Italy, but later research questioned its validity due to methodological limitations. Sheldon’s somatotype theory relied on physical measurements of body types and their correlation with criminality, yet subsequent research found mixed results. Freud’s psychoanalytic framework was rooted in clinical case studies aiming to understand personality development. Sutherland’s differential association was grounded in empirical work examining criminal associations in various social groups, consistently supported by subsequent research confirming that criminal behavior often results from learned interactions. Ronald Akers expanded this foundation through social learning theories, with studies showing the influence of reinforcements and social contexts on criminal conduct. Modern neuroimaging studies support biological explanations, indicating genetic and brain structure influences on behavior, providing a compelling contemporary empirical base for biological theories.

Theoretical Components: School of Thought and Premises

Each theory aligns with distinct schools of thought and types—biological or psychological. Lombroso’s theory belongs to the positivist school, emphasizing inherited traits as determinants of criminality, a biological functionalism approach. Sheldon’s somatotype theory also falls within biological positivism, focusing on physical characteristics. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory is rooted in psychodynamic approaches, asserting that unconscious conflicts shape behaviors, including criminal acts. Sutherland’s differential association belongs to the interactionist school, emphasizing social learning and transmitted behavioral norms. The major premise in Lombroso's theory suggests criminals are biologically predisposed due to inherited traits, whereas Sheldon claims criminal tendencies are linked to body types. Freud theorized that unresolved unconscious conflicts lead to criminal behavior, and Sutherland posited that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others.

Minor premises further elaborate these views: Lombroso argued that specific physical features could be used to identify potential offenders, while Freud focused on early childhood experiences influencing personality development. Sutherland emphasized the importance of peer associations in acquiring criminal attitudes. These premises shape our understanding of criminal motivations and inform preventative strategies and interventions.

Application in Practice and Current Usage

The application of these theories in today’s criminal justice system varies. Lombroso’s biological determinism has faded due to its deterministic and often discriminatory implications, yet the idea of biological influences persists in contemporary neurobiological research, including genetic studies and brain imaging. Sheldon’s body type theory remains largely obsolete but contributed to early understanding of physical correlates. Freud’s psychoanalytic approach influenced juvenile justice and clinical intervention programs emphasizing personality development and emotional regulation. The differential association theory underpins modern community policing strategies focused on social networks and peer influences. Contemporary neurocriminology explores genetic markers and brain structure anomalies as risk factors for criminality, aligning with biological theories. Overall, these theories inform risk assessments, rehabilitative strategies, and policies targeting specific environmental or biological risk factors.

What Makes a Good Theory?

A good criminological theory effectively addresses the core problem of crime—predicting, explaining, and preventing criminal behavior—while remaining empirically supported and practically applicable. It should integrate cultural influences to account for variability across different societal contexts, recognizing that cultural norms shape definitions of legality and morality. A robust theory offers solutions that address individual traits, family dynamics, community environments, and societal structures, fostering holistic intervention strategies. Theories like social learning emphasize environmental influences and the importance of social networks, exemplifying comprehensive approaches for crime reduction.

Evaluation of Each Theory's Contributions

Each theory contributes uniquely to understanding criminal behavior. Lombroso’s biological traits theory underscores genetic predispositions but faces criticism for deterministic and ethnocentric assumptions. Sheldon’s somatotypes suggest a physical correlation but lack reliable predictive power. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory highlights emotional and personality factors, emphasizing therapy and emotional regulation. Sutherland’s social learning approach advocates for community and social intervention to break learned behaviors. Modern biological approaches integrate genetic and neuroimaging insights, offering promising avenues for early detection and intervention. Consequently, an effective theory must balance scientific validity, cultural sensitivity, and practical application to genuinely reduce crime rates and improve justice outcomes.

Conclusion

Understanding the evolution and foundational research of criminological theories provides valuable insights for applying effective intervention strategies. While biological theories emphasize inherited traits and neurobiological factors, psychological theories focus on individual personality development and learned behaviors. Both domains contribute meaningful perspectives and should inform comprehensive approaches to crime prevention. Future research integrating biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors holds promise for developing nuanced, multidimensional theories capable of addressing the complexities of criminal behavior in diverse societal contexts.

References

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