Research The Positive School Of Criminology And Discuss How

Research The Positive School Of Criminology And Discuss How Thi

The positive school of criminology represents a significant shift from earlier views that attributed criminal behavior to free will and moral failings. Instead, it emphasizes scientific investigation of the underlying factors that predispose individuals to commit crimes, aligning closely with the paradigm of determinism in criminal justice. Determinism, in this context, asserts that human behavior, including criminal conduct, is determined by biological, psychological, or environmental factors beyond individual control, challenging the concept of free choice in criminal acts.

The positive school emerged in the late 19th century, primarily through the work of Cesare Lombroso, who is often regarded as the father of modern criminology. Lombroso’s theory of biological positivism argued that criminality could be understood through observable biological traits, such as facial features, skull shape, and other physical anomalies. His concept of atavism suggested that some individuals were biological throwbacks—resembling primitive humans—thus inherently predisposed to criminal behavior. Lombroso believed that these biological traits indicated a lack of moral development and mental maturity, which contributed to criminal tendencies.

Lombroso’s ideas profoundly impacted criminal justice during his time by encouraging a shift away from moral judgments and towards scientific investigation. Criminals were viewed as biologically inferior, which influenced policies for identification, detention, and even sterilization to prevent reproduction of these 'degenerate' traits. The influence of biological determinism led to the development of forensic science and more scientific methods for identifying and understanding offenders. However, Lombroso’s focus on physical traits was often criticized for its racial and ethnic biases, leading to concerns about the potential for misuse and discrimination in the justice system.

In contemporary perspectives, Lombroso’s influence remains controversial but significant. While modern criminology acknowledges biological factors, such as genetic predispositions or neurochemical abnormalities, there is greater emphasis on environmental influences and the complex interplay between nature and nurture. Today, the consensus is that crime results from a combination of genetic, psychological, and social factors rather than purely innate biological traits. Advances in neuroscience, genetics, and behavioral sciences continue to explore these aspects but with much more nuance and scientific rigor than Lombroso’s rudimentary physical measures.

The debate between nature and nurture remains central to criminology. Lombroso’s biological determinism strongly aligned with the 'nature' side, suggesting that criminal behavior is rooted in inherited traits. However, contemporary scholars recognize that environmental influences — including socioeconomic status, education, peer influence, and family background — are critical in shaping behavior. This debate underscores the importance of considering both genetic predispositions and social contexts when developing criminal justice policies and interventions.

In summary, the positive school of criminology, epitomized by Lombroso’s biological theories, significantly influenced the development of scientific approaches in understanding crime. While his ideas contributed to the shift towards empiricism in criminal justice, they also exemplified early attempts at biological determinism, which have since been refined by modern research. In today’s context, the integration of biological and environmental factors offers a more comprehensive understanding of criminal behavior, emphasizing the importance of multifaceted approaches in criminal justice and crime prevention.

References

• Bonger, W. (1916). Crime and Economic Conditions. Boston: Little, Brown and Company.
• Lombroso, C. (1911). The Criminal Man. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
• Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672–682.
• Pratt, T.C., & Cullen, F. T. (2005). Assessing Macro-Level Predictors and Theories of Crime: A Meta-Analysis. Crime and Justice, 32, 373-450.
• Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A General Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press.
• Raine, A. (2013). The Anatomy of Violence: The Biological Roots of Crime. Pantheon Books.
• Wacquant, L. (2009). Punishing the Poor: The Neoliberal Government of Social Insecurity. Duke University Press.
• Sheldon, S., & Eliason, M. (2009). Crime and Its Contexts: Readings in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Marsh, R. (2020). Modern Criminology: A Review of Biological and Environmental Influences. Journal of Criminal Justice, 68, 101722.
• Walters, G. D., & Church, R. (2015). Criminology: A Sociological Understanding. Routledge.