Discover published sets by community

Classical Criminology suggests that individuals have free will to choose whether to commit crimes and that punishment can deter crime if it is swift, certain, and appropriately severe.

Biological Theories propose that genetics and physiological factors can predispose individuals to criminal behavior.

Psychological Theories focus on the mental processes and personality traits that may lead an individual to engage in criminal activity.

Social Learning Theory posits that criminal behavior is learned through observing and imitating others, especially when such behaviors are reinforced.

Strain Theory suggests that crime occurs when individuals are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means, leading to feelings of strain or pressure.

Labeling Theory posits that crime and deviance are socially constructed concepts, where individuals become labeled as criminals, which can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Social Disorganization Theory proposes that crime is more likely to occur in communities with weak social institutions and a lack of community cohesion.

Rational Choice Theory assumes that offenders weigh the costs and benefits of committing a crime and make rational decisions to maximize their self-interest.

Control Theories assert that crime occurs when an individual's bonds to society are weak or broken, reducing the effectiveness of social control.

Subcultural Theories argue that crime and delinquency can be a result of adherence to the values and norms of a particular subculture that deviates from mainstream society.

Feminist Criminology focuses on how the intersection of gender with class, race, and other social hierarchies affects women's experiences with crime, both as perpetrators and as victims.

Conflict Theory holds that criminal behavior is the result of class conflict and laws are created by those in power to control the less powerful.

Routine Activity Theory suggests that for crime to occur, there must be a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship, in the context of everyday routines.

Life Course Criminology explores how individual behavior and criminal involvement develop, change, and evolve over a person’s lifespan, influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors.

Integrated Theories are frameworks that combine elements from different criminological theories to provide a more comprehensive explanation of criminal behavior.

Differential Association Theory posits that individuals learn criminal behavior through their interactions with others and the exchange of criminal values, attitudes, and techniques.

Anomie Theory, developed by Emile Durkheim, suggests that crime results from the breakdown of social norms and a state of normlessness where individuals no longer know how to behave.

General Strain Theory expands on traditional strain theory by identifying additional types of strain and how individuals may cope with strain through crime.

Social Bond Theory suggests that individuals who have strong social bonds and investment in the community are less likely to engage in criminal activity.