Units

This final week we will focus on the last crop of theories we are going to discuss in this class. We begin by identifying the difference between mainstream and critical criminology. The critical perspectives, including conflict criminology, new critical criminology, postmodernism, and radical—Marxist—criminology are discussed.

This week's learning unit delves into labeling theory in criminology, a pivotal concept that emerged amidst the socio-political tumult of the 1960s in the United States. This era, characterized by events such as the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War, significantly influenced the development of this theory. We will introduce key figures like Howard S. Becker, delving into their contributions and examining core principles of the theory, such as the 'self-fulfilling prophecy', the distinction between 'primary' and 'secondary deviance', and the idea of 'master status'. A critical evaluation of the theory will also be undertaken, discussing its strengths and addressing criticisms, particularly its perceived overemphasis on societal reactions to deviance.

This week's exploration into social control theories delves into the intricate balance between innate desires and societal constraints. These theories challenge the traditional view of criminality by suggesting that the propensity for deviant behavior is universal and that compliance with societal norms is a result of external and internal controls rather than a lack of criminal inclination.

This week's unit on Social Learning Theories promises to be both engaging and insightful, as we delve into the nuances of how criminal behavior is not just an individual choice but often a learned one. Our exploration will take us through a comparative analysis of learning theories of crime and how they differ from other criminological perspectives, which often focus on biological, economic, or psychological factors.

This week, we delve deep into the realm of the Chicago School of Criminology, a pioneering theoretical branch that has significantly shaped our understanding of urban crime. Rooted in the early 20th century, this school of thought emphasizes the profound influence of neighborhood-level variables on crime rates, challenging the conventional focus on individual criminal behavior.

In this week's unit, we embark on a comprehensive journey into the heart of sociological theories that seek to shed light on the intricate relationship between society and crime.

This week, our attention will be centered on the profound influence of W.E.B. Du Bois in the realm of criminology. Although Du Bois is more widely recognized for his contributions to sociology, civil rights, and African American history, his insights into the field of criminology remain significant and oftentimes overlooked. A clear example of this is his seminal work, "The Philadelphia Negro." In this detailed study, Du Bois delved into the socio-economic conditions faced by Black Philadelphians at the turn of the century. He made astute observations linking the migration of former slaves to urban environments, which they found foreign and challenging, as a potential catalyst for criminal activities. Additionally, he posited that the immediate aftermath of Emancipation, while a pivotal moment in Black history, also inadvertently led to increased crime due to the abrupt socio-political changes and the challenges of integration.

This week delves into the intricate world of psychological theories and their influence on criminological thought. Psychology, as a discipline, offers a deep well of insight into human behavior, and when this is applied to criminal behavior, it provides unique perspectives on why individuals might commit crimes.

Welcome to a week of exploration into the biological explanations for criminal behavior. This unit will delve deeply into the positivist theory, one of the critical approaches in understanding criminal actions from a biological standpoint. The positivist approach essentially involves the rigorous application of the scientific method to discern and diagnose pathologies and determine their appropriate treatments in relation to criminal behavior. This perspective has been significant in criminology, providing a framework for understanding the biological basis of criminality.

Neoclassical theories of crime are based on the same basic assumptions as the Classical School. However, neoclassical theorists recognize that there are a number of factors that can influence an individual's decision to commit a crime, including situational factors and individual characteristics. Neoclassical theories of crime are based on the assumption that individuals make rational choices about whether or not to commit crimes

This week we will delve into the contributions of Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, as well as the enduring relevance of their theories in modern criminology. Classical criminology is a school of thought within criminology that emerged during the Enlightenment period in the 18th century.

Overview

This week we focus on how we gather information about crime, the strengths and weaknesses of official police statistics, and alternative data sources used in criminology:

Understanding the prevalence and patterns of crime is a crucial aspect of criminology …

During the second week of our course, our focus will delve into a comprehensive exploration of the concept of crime. We will strive to attain a profound comprehension of the nuances underlying our discussions on crime. Additionally, we will establish a clear definition of criminology as an academic discipline, and we will examine a variety of theoretical frameworks through which crime can be approached.

In this first week, we will take our time to go over some fundamental information. This will be a great time to organize your schedule so you devote regular time to the course. Stop by my first office hours on ZOOM or in person so we can chat.