A Primer on Criminological Theories

“Classical” Criminology Utilitarianism: Locke, Bentham, Beccaria Biological Determinism: Lombroso, Sheldon Psychological Determinism: Maudsley, Goring Social Determinism: Tarde, Comte, Quetelet, DURKHEIM

Rational Choice and Deterrence “Theories” and Concepts Routine Activities Theory General Deterrence Specific Deterrence Incapacitation Retribution

Contemporary Biological and Psychodynamic Studies Chromosomal evidence Twin studies Adoption studies Biochemistry (including diet) Neurophysiology Psychoanalysis Social learning Cognitive theories “Human nature”

Social Structure Theories Social Disorganization Theory Ecological Theory Anomie/Strain Theory Relative Deprivation/Perceived Injustice Theory Cultural Deviance Theory Theory of Delinquent Subcultures Differential Opportunity Theory

Social Process Theories Differential Association Theory Drift Theory, aka Theory of Techniques of Neutralization Labeling Theory Control Theory/ “General Theory”

Conflict Theories Miller’s “Focal concerns of the lower classes” as a cultural conflict theory Marx and Bonger: who are the real criminals? Feminist approaches