Explain Different Criminological Theories
Final Paper
SOC 220 OL
Dr. Leon Geter
9/17/2014
Anne Bilben Sund
I Theories of Crime and Justice
II Intro
In this paper, I aim to examine and explain different criminological categories. By looking at the link and relevance between criminology and criminal justice, certain different criminological theories, and the understanding of rational choice and deterrence theory, I wish to communicate why criminology and criminal justice is important to understand and further prevent crime. In an increasingly globalized world, contact between different people and cultures will become more evident.
III What is Criminology?
Criminology is the study of etiology, and science behind what causes crime. It revolves around deviance and social control, …show more content…
This theory emerged in the eighteenth hundreds and implied that it is the biological, psychological, economic and social demands that determine how individuals behave. According to this theory, one needs empirical evidence to prove behavior. Notions about super natural phenomenon’s like ones soul or god was thus not considered valid when it came to explaining social events. (Siegel, 2011). Seen through contemporary eyes, some of these early scientific research methods seems outdated and unfounded. An example of this is Franz Joseph Gall and Johann K. Surzheim who studied the structure of skulls and decided there was a clear relation between criminal behavior and head shape. (Siegel, 2011). Towards the end of the nineteenth century, positivist criminological theories was in use to explain sociological and psychological aspects of deviance and criminal behavior. It kept exploring methods to establish rigorous and definite systems to measure crime, although with some obvious problems as the studies did not include non-criminals and were aimed towards criminal behavior known to the authorities (which does not necessary include all crimes). (Taylor,I.,& Walton, …show more content…
(Director). (2013). Conversations with History: Gary Becker USA: University of California Television (UCTV).
Mendes, S. M. (2004). Certainty, severity, and their relative deterrent effects: Questioning the implications of the role of risk in criminal deterrence policy. Policy Studies Journal, 32(1), 59-74. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/210559431?accountid=38129
Mendes, S. M. V. (2001). Criminal deterrence policy: Theory, politics, and practice. (Order No. 3026391, State University of New York at Binghamton). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 267-267 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/304760930?accountid=38129. (304760930).
Siegel, L (2011). Criminology: The Core. 4th Edition. Wadsworth Publishing. July 24, 2014.
Taylor, I., & Walton, P. (1973). The new criminology: For a social theory of deviance,. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
Tierney, J. (2009). Key Perspectives in Criminology. Berkshire, GBR: McGraw-Hill Education. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
Zalman, M. (2007). The search for criminal justice theory: Reflections on kraska's theorizing criminal justice. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 18(1), 163-181,186. Retrieved from
SOC 220 OL
Dr. Leon Geter
9/17/2014
Anne Bilben Sund
I Theories of Crime and Justice
II Intro
In this paper, I aim to examine and explain different criminological categories. By looking at the link and relevance between criminology and criminal justice, certain different criminological theories, and the understanding of rational choice and deterrence theory, I wish to communicate why criminology and criminal justice is important to understand and further prevent crime. In an increasingly globalized world, contact between different people and cultures will become more evident.
III What is Criminology?
Criminology is the study of etiology, and science behind what causes crime. It revolves around deviance and social control, …show more content…
This theory emerged in the eighteenth hundreds and implied that it is the biological, psychological, economic and social demands that determine how individuals behave. According to this theory, one needs empirical evidence to prove behavior. Notions about super natural phenomenon’s like ones soul or god was thus not considered valid when it came to explaining social events. (Siegel, 2011). Seen through contemporary eyes, some of these early scientific research methods seems outdated and unfounded. An example of this is Franz Joseph Gall and Johann K. Surzheim who studied the structure of skulls and decided there was a clear relation between criminal behavior and head shape. (Siegel, 2011). Towards the end of the nineteenth century, positivist criminological theories was in use to explain sociological and psychological aspects of deviance and criminal behavior. It kept exploring methods to establish rigorous and definite systems to measure crime, although with some obvious problems as the studies did not include non-criminals and were aimed towards criminal behavior known to the authorities (which does not necessary include all crimes). (Taylor,I.,& Walton, …show more content…
(Director). (2013). Conversations with History: Gary Becker USA: University of California Television (UCTV).
Mendes, S. M. (2004). Certainty, severity, and their relative deterrent effects: Questioning the implications of the role of risk in criminal deterrence policy. Policy Studies Journal, 32(1), 59-74. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/210559431?accountid=38129
Mendes, S. M. V. (2001). Criminal deterrence policy: Theory, politics, and practice. (Order No. 3026391, State University of New York at Binghamton). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, , 267-267 p. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/304760930?accountid=38129. (304760930).
Siegel, L (2011). Criminology: The Core. 4th Edition. Wadsworth Publishing. July 24, 2014.
Taylor, I., & Walton, P. (1973). The new criminology: For a social theory of deviance,. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
Tierney, J. (2009). Key Perspectives in Criminology. Berkshire, GBR: McGraw-Hill Education. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
Zalman, M. (2007). The search for criminal justice theory: Reflections on kraska's theorizing criminal justice. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 18(1), 163-181,186. Retrieved from