...The basic definition of the word criminal is someone who commits offending behaviour within society (Harrower, 2001). The crime may range from petty theft to murder. Criminals are born not made is the discussion of this essay, it will explore the theories that attempt to explain criminal behaviour. Psychologists have come up with various theories and reasons as to why individuals commit crimes. These theories represent part of the classic psychological debate, nature versus nurture. Are individuals predisposed to becoming a criminal or are they made through their environment. There are various theories within the biological explanation as to why individuals commit criminal behaviour, these include: genetic theory, hereditary theory, psychosis and brain injury theory. In the next few paragraphs examples of each will be shown. The first theory to be explored is the hereditary theory, which stems from Cesare Lombroso (1876) father of criminology, (Feldman, 1993) whose studies were carried out by morphology. Lombroso tried to show a relationship between criminal behaviour and physical characteristics. Lombrosco suggested that an individual was predisposed to becoming a criminal, as a result of internal or innate characteristics, rather than environmental factors. Lombroso observed both criminals and non- criminals by their physical abnormalities, such as physical measurements and examinations. He concluded that most prisoners show the same physical abnormalities, which...
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...Criminal act is when any behaviour breaks the law. Some people may argue that crime only occurs when someone intends to break the law. Other people say that its when crime is intended and causes harm to people or their property. Criminal behaviour also depends on time and culture. The problems of official crime is: * statistics count the number of criminal acts rather than the number of criminals. So they make a mistake by counting one crime that might be committed by a group of criminals. * some people may not report the crime. * some people may not be aware that they are the victim of the crime. Crime as an act against the law would make most people as a criminal as every adult breaks the law at some point in their lives. The common characteristics of criminals are: * impulsiveness * no feelings of guilt * pleasure seeking * self importance Criminal Personality - attitudes that make a person different from normal. Core Theory: Biological Theory The biological theory states that criminal behaviour is inherited. This means that a person is already genetically programmed to behave in anti social ways. Studies do show that there are criminal families. So if a persons parent is a criminal then there is a high chance of them being a criminal. Criminal personality attitudes that make a person different from normal. The biological Genes have an affect on the brain development also known as brain dysfunction. The areas that the brain gets damaged are: * Pre-frontal...
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...Themes and Practice in Psychology (Criminal Behaviour) “Criminal behaviour runs in families”. Discuss this statement in light of the nature-nurture debate and considering recent and relevant literature. For a number of years the dilemma of whether criminal behaviour is inherent in families or is triggered by various external factors in an individual’s environment has influenced and inspired an abundance of both criminological and psychological research. Many replicable studies have been conducted in an attempt to establish the core source of deviant and/or criminal actions , and whether such actions are to be attributed to genetics, or to one’s environment , nature or nurture. This paper shall seek to establish, where possible , the route to criminal behaviour and evaluate potential factors that could influence an individual to become delinquent . Gottfredson & Hirschi (1990) set forth a general theory of crime that identified low self-control as the main causal factor. Their theory also proposed the notion that parents play the decisive role in either nurturing or thwarting the development of self-control – dependant on the parent’s ability to monitor and supervise a child’s behaviour and respond appropriately to anti-social behaviour. They claim that parents are the sole contributors to the cause of low self-control and therefore they reject potential genetic contributions in their theory . Their theory illustrates that criminal behaviour is simply caused by one’s parental...
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...Labelling theory and its theorists focus on the groups and/or individuals who were deemed to be criminal and labelled thus by society. Labelling theorists studied the various interactions between the ‘criminal' groups and individuals and the conformist society. Labeling theory was quite popular in the 1960s and early 1970s, but then fell into decline—partly as a result of the mixed results of empirical research. This essay will go on to show the origins of labelling theory, the theory itself and will show its strengths and weaknesses using various case-studies and examples. Tannenbaum (1938) is widely regarded as the first labelling theorist. His main concept was the ‘dramatization of evil'. He stated that if a person is described as being a criminal then he automatically becomes one. Erwin Lamert (1951) founded the “societal Reaction” theory. This theory is widely credited to be the forerunner of the present day labelling theory. His theory basically states that a person experiences social deviance in two phases. The first phase is known as the Primary deviance phase. The second is known as the Secondary deviance phase. According to Lemert, the primary deviance phase begins with a criminal act. He or she is then labelled criminal but has yet to accept the label. The main point of view is whether he or she has accepted the criminal label. If the person views themselves as a criminal then the secondary deviant phase has begun. The object of whether a person views himself or...
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...individuals who commit crime, while also looking at the criminal justice system in the hope that this information can be transformed into policies that will be effective in handling, or even eliminating crime. Although it is a specialty, it's not a single discipline. It combines the efforts of sociologists, psychologists, psychiatry, biology, law and statistics. It produces findings that can support, judges, prosecutors, lawyers, probation officers, and prison officials, giving them a better understanding of crime and criminals, and to develop improved and more appropriate sentences and treatments for criminal behaviour. Criminology centres its attention on the criminal as a person, his or hers behaviour, and what has led him or her to a life of crime. It also looks at society's reaction towards breaking laws. Task 2: Explain the difference between macro and micro theories used by Criminologists. Macro theory and Micro theory are both detailed theories that pay close attention to different aspects of crime and criminal behaviour. The Macro theory of crime and criminal behaviour explains the larger scale of crime across the world or across a society; they attempt to answer why there are variations in group rates of crime, for example Macro theory may provide and explanation as to why one neighbourhood has a higher crime rate than another local neighbourhood. In contrast, the Micro theory of crime and criminal behaviour focuses on a small group of offenders or on an individual...
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...Serial Killer is born a killer not made into one Introduction: This essay will discuss psychopathy, by connecting an individual's criminal behaviour or psychopathic tendencies to their biological makeup. It will do so through analysing the theory of nature vs nurture and three experiments or research. The theory of nature vs nurture will attempt to provide a base for psychological understanding of serial killer tendencies. The essay will then attempt to reassert the nature aspect of theory as a reality through the three experiments that will be discussed. Thesis: In all, this essay will prove to link that biological deviations are the primary cause of criminal or aggressive behaviour in an individual. Paragraph 1: Experiment/ research...
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...Assignment title | | In this assessment you will have opportunities to provide evidence against the following criteria. Indicate the page numbers where the evidence can be found. | Criteria reference | To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that the learner is able to: | | Task no. | | Evidence | P1, M1, D1 | Outline current crime and disorder legislation. Analyse the impact of two pieces of crime and disorder legislation. Evaluate the impact of one piece of crime and disorder legislation. | | 1 | | | P2 | State the main sentences and orders criminal courts can impose. | | 2 | | | P3 | Describe two theories of criminal behaviour and the factors that contribute to them. | | 3 | | | P4, M2 | Describe the effects crime has on communities and the individual. Analyse the effects of crime on communities and individuals. | | 4 | | | P5, M3, D2 | Identify approaches used by public services to reduce crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour. Analyse how the strategies used by the local community public services work to reduce crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour. Evaluate a local public service initiative designed to address crime and its impact on the community. | | 5 | | | P6 | Explain how public and third sector organisations support witnesses and victims of crime. | | 6 | | | Learner declaration | I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own. I have clearly referenced any sources used in the work. I understand...
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...The term ‘personality’ is generally used to refer to relatively stable characteristics of a person that make their behaviour consistent across situations (but many other definitions are possible, depending on the approach being taken). Hans Eysenck (1964) put forward a theory of criminal behaviour based on a very influential theory of personality he had earlier devised. Although this theory is usually referred to as a personality theory of offending, it is important to appreciate that Eysenck’s theory conceives of criminal behaviour as the outcome of interactions between processes occurring at several different levels of explanation. Eysenck’s theory suggests that crime arises from certain personality traits, which are biological in origin. Eysenck originally argued that the great variation between people’s personalities could be reduced to just two dimensions, which related to the underlying functioning of the individual’s nervous system. A person’s level of extraversion (E), neuroticism (N) can be measured using simple questionnaires such as the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). People with High E scores are sociable, active, lively and sensation seeking. Extraversion is determined by the overall level of arousal in the person’s Central Nervous System and Autonomic Nervous System. High E-scorers have a low level of arousal and therefore need more stimulation from their environment. People with high Neuroticism scores are anxious, depressed and react very strongly to...
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...The essay focuses on the social construction of crime, and the possible reasons for these social constructions. In the first section, the essay explains what crime is, and the constructionist perspective theory. In the Second section my essay focuses on the crime as socially constructed and why it is socially constructed. In the third section essay explains, three levels of explanation in the study of deviant and criminal behaviour. In the final section, it focuses on the historical theoretical periods, which plays an important role in revitalising past discoveries. Crime is a term that refers to many types of misconduct that is forbidden by law. There are a number of different reasons as to why crime can be viewed as a social construction. There cannot be 'social problems' that are not the product of social construction - naming, labelling, defining and mapping them into place - through which we can 'make sense' of them' (Clarke, 2001). In this essay I will explain what is social construction, also what crime is, and why we think, that crime is socially constructed. Furthermore, I will explain how media construct crime and the stigma of black crime. In the last paragraph I will explore the importance of Marxist and Durkheim's theories on the emergence of crime....
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...brother ‘doughboy’ is heavily involved in LA street life, much to the disappointment of their mother, who struggles to raise both men on her own. Two of these characters fall victim to homicide due to the actions of Baker, a member of the Watts...
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...on the over-representation of indigenous people in the criminal justice system from a sociological viewpoint. This over-representation becomes sociologically significant when it is seen as an expression of inequality meaning that wider social issues are at play that effect indigenous people specifically. The two major reasons or drivers of this over-representation stem from this inequality; the first is an element of institutional discrimination found in both the courts and the police services in Australia which tend to target indigenous people disproportionately with the facilitation of legislation and practices which indigenous people have little to no involvement in formulating. The second is a set of cultural and social norms that exist amongst indigenous people which clash with the norms of the dominant white culture who are responsible for the laws and regulations that all groups in society are meant to abide by. Furthermore social conflict theories on crime such as those formulated by Turk and Sellin provide a rich theoretical support for the reasons behind the over-representation of indigenous people in the criminal justice system. The over-representation of aboriginal people in Australia is a perfect example of the effects of inequality in modern society, arising from clashing cultural norms and institutional discrimination found within the criminal justice system caused by said inequality social conflict theories are...
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...Examine and asses the usefulness of a theory of crime and deviance in terms of explaining crime and or social problems in modern society. This essay is going to examine and asses the usefulness of labelling theory in our understanding of crime and social problems in modern society. This essay is going to firstly look at what labelling theory is and also look at the key writes that have influenced and help to develop the term labelling theory. The essay will then go on to look at empirical research that has been carried out such as Jock Young’s study of marijuana users and their experience of labelling which in turn led to further deviance and also different examples that will help illustrate the key points being put forward in the essay. Finally it will look at some of the criticisms labelling theorists face. This essay will draw information from academic books, websites and articles to illustrate and support the points of few being put forward in the essay. Interactionist generally sees society from the point of view of individuals. They believe that individuals are creative free thinking people who are able to choose their own behaviour and the also believe that behaviour is self-directed based on the interactions we have with one another. The labelling views on deviance is generally grounded in what is now known as labelling theory which emerged in the 1960’s from the work of American sociologist Howard Becker. Labelling theorists are mainly concerned with how and why certain...
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...Unit 12: Crime and its Effects on Society Unit code: Y/600/6030 QCF Level 3: BTEC National Credit value: 10 Guided learning hours: 60 Aim and purpose The aim of this unit is to give learners a knowledge of current UK crime and disorder legislation and the sentences and orders available to the criminal justice agencies. Learners will also develop knowledge of the effects of criminal behaviour on communities and an understanding of how society works to reduce crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour and to support the victims and witnesses of crime. Unit introduction This unit introduces learners to the legal framework that exists to prevent crime and deal with offenders. They will look at the powers of the courts, including the orders and sentences that the courts can impose. They will look at the theories of the causes of criminal behaviour and other contributory factors that may lead to criminality and antisocial behaviour, for example socio-economic and environmental influences, lack of education and negative family influences. Learners will explore the problems resulting from criminal activity and antisocial behaviour. They will explore the costs of crime, to local authorities, the community and individuals. Learners will also investigate the ‘fear of crime’ and how this manifests itself in both individuals and communities and the impact this can have on quality of life. Learners will learn how their local police proactively tackle crime using problem-solving models...
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...The Bega schoolgirl murders relate to the abduction, rape and murder of two New South Wales schoolgirls, sixteen year old Nichole Collins and fourteen year old Lauren Barry, that occurred in Bega, New South Wales on the sixth of October, 1997. The two girls were abducted by Leslie Camilleri and Lindsay Beckett, who subjected them to repeated sexual assaults and rapes on more than five separate occasions whilst they were being driven through New South Wales and Victoria. The two girls were both stabbed and killed in Fiddler's Green Creek in Victoria; the order from Camilleri that was carried out by Beckett (CrimeUncovered, 2013) The two men spotted the girls walking along a road near their camp site, and offered them a ride. According to Beckett, the girls agreed and willingly got in the car. The men then proceeded to each pull out a knife in order to scare the girls into cooperating. There were approximately five stops as they drove, each being an opportunity to sexual assault the two school girls. In total, the trip took just over twelve hours before they reached Fiddler's Green Creek. Camilleri ordered Beckett to kill both of them however Beckett protested in that it was unfair that he had to kill them both. He eventually complied when Camilleri threatened to stab him if he did not do what he was told. Beckett attempted to drown Lauren Barry, however he stabbed her in the neck after a struggle. He slashed Nichole Collins' throat several times, but when this did not work...
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...“A” Level Sociology A Resource-Based Learning Approach Deviance and Social Control Unit M4: Functionalism Introduction In these Teachers’ Notes we’re going to review a number of theories of crime and deviance from a Structural Functionalist perspective. In case this sociological perspective is not clear to you, the first part of these Notes is given over to a brief overview of this perspective. If you are familiar with this perspective, then this overview will serve as revision material... The second part of these Notes will provide an overview of some of the basic themes and theories put forward by writers working within this general perspective to explain crime. Functionalism: An Overview The Functionalist perspective is a form of Structuralist sociology and, as such, we can initially characterise it as a form of macro sociological theorising. In this respect, the main theoretical question addressed by sociologists working within the Functionalist perspective is that of: * How do social systems ("societies") hold together? In their attempts to provide an answer to this question, Functionalists have initially concentrated upon two ideas that are closely related to the above: 1. How is order maintained in any society? 2. What are the main sources of stability in any society? As you might imagine - given that the theoretical emphasis seems to be placed on rather grand questions...
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