1. Chapter 2 Causes of Crime
© 2011 Cengage Learning

2. Learning Outcomes
LO1: Discuss the difference between a hypothesis and a theory in the context of criminology.
LO2: Contrast positivism with classical criminology.
LO3: List and briefly explain the three branches of social process theory
LO4: Contrast the medical model of addiction with the criminal model of addiction.
LO5: Explain the theory of the chronic offender and its importance for the criminal justice system.
© 2011 Cengage Learning

3. Discuss the difference between a hypothesis and a theory in the context of criminology.

4. Learning Outcome 1 Criminology Criminologists
The scientific study of crime and the causes of criminal behavior.
Criminologists
A specialist in the field of crime and the causes of criminal behavior.

5. Learning Outcome 1 Criminologists attempt to discover
Correlations – relationships between variables in which they vary together. What factors are related to crime?
Causation – a relationship where one variable causes a change in another. What factors cause crime?
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6. Learning Outcome 1 Theory A hypothesis
An explanation of a happening or circumstance that is based on observation, experimentation and reasoning.
A hypothesis
A possible explanation for an observed occurrence that can be tested by further investigation.
Hypotheses are tested using the scientific method.

8. Contrast positivism with classical criminology.

9. Learning Outcome 2 Choice Theory
A person commits a crime because they choose to.
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10. Learning Outcome 2 Classical criminology
Crime is an expression of a person’s rational decision making process.
If punishments outweighed the benefits of crime, they would dissuade people from committing crime.

11. Learning Outcome 2 Cesare Beccaria
Criminal law should reflect three truths:
All decisions, including the decision to commit a crime, are the result of rational choice.
Fear of punishment can have a deterrent effect on the choice to commit crime.
The more swift and certain punishment is, the more effective it will be in controlling crime.

12. Jeremy Bentham and Utilitarianism
Learning Outcome 2
Jeremy Bentham and Utilitarianism
Punishment should use the threat of pain against criminals to insure the pleasure of society.
Four goals of punishment:
Prevent all crime
Assure that a criminal commit a lesser crime to avoid a harsher punishment.
Give criminal an incentive not to harm others.
Prevent crime at the least possible cost to society.

13. Learning Outcome 2 Positivism Rational choice theory
Criminal behavior is determined by biological, psychological, and social forces.
Criminal behavior is beyond the individual’s control.
Rational choice theory
Criminal actions are committed as if individuals consider the costs and rewards of crime.

14. Learning Outcome 2 Trait Theories
Suggest there are biological and psychological causes of crime.
Biology is the scientific study of living organisms.
Psychology is the study of the mind.
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15. Learning Outcome 2 Biological influences on crime include the study of
Genetics and crime.
Hormones and aggression.
The brain and crime.
Psychological influences on crime include the study of
Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.
Social psychology and “evil” behavior.

16. Sociological Theories of Crime
Learning Outcome 2
Sociological Theories of Crime
The Chicago School
Showed a correlation between poverty and high crime rate.
Neighborhood conditions have much great effect on criminal behavior than ethnicity, race, or religion.

17. Sociological Theories of Crime
Learning Outcome 2
Sociological Theories of Crime
Social Disorganization Theory
Crime is product of unfavorable conditions

19. Sociological Theories of Crime
Learning Outcome 2
Sociological Theories of Crime
Strain theory
Crime rooted in strain (frustration) of not having access to resources needed for financial success.
Cultural deviance theory
People adapt to the values of the subculture to which they belong.
Member of low-income subcultures more likely to celebrate behaviors that confront the values of society at large.

20. The Causes of Crime
Mastering Concepts

21. The Causes of Crime
Mastering Concepts

22. List and briefly explain the three branches of social process theory

23. Learning Outcome 3 Social Process Theories
The potential for criminal behavior exists in everyone.
The potential is realized depending on an individual’s interaction with society.
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24. Learning Outcome 3 Learning Theory Control Theory Labeling Theory
Crime is a learned behavior.
Influences include family, friends, co-workers, and media.
Control Theory
Even though most people have the potential to commit crime, we don’t because we care about the opinions of friends and family.
Labeling Theory
Studies how being labeled a criminal affects a person’s future behavior.

25. CAREERPREP Social Worker Job Description:
Help people cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with relationships, and solve personal and family problems. Assist families that have serious domestic conflicts, sometimes involving child or spousal abuse.
Conduct research on services in a particular area and act as an advocate for improvement of those services.
What Kind of Training Is Required?
A bachelor’s degree in social work is the minimum requirement, and a master’s degree in social work or a related field has become the standard for many positions.
Essential qualities include emotional maturity, sensitivity to people and their problems, and the ability to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain good relationships with clients and co‑workers.
Annual Salary Range?
$32,500–$56,500
For additional information, visit:
© 2011 Cengage Learning

26. Social Conflict Theories
Learning Outcome 3
Social Conflict Theories
The key component of crime is power.
True crimes – those committed by ruling classes – poverty, racism, sexism.
Crimes committed by powerless are justified reactions against oppressive laws.

27. Social Conflict Theories
Learning Outcome 3
Social Conflict Theories
Marxism versus Capitalism
Capitalism seen as leading to high levels of violence.
Penalties for crimes protect privilege of the “haves.”
Race and Gender

28. Contrast the medical model of addiction with the criminal model of addiction.

29. Source: National Survey on Drug use and Health, 2009

30. Learning Outcome 4 Theories of Drug Use
Social Disorganization Theory – people use drugs to cope with rapid social changes.
Subculture Theory – people use drugs because of peer pressure.
Control Theory – people use drugs because there is no social control.
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31. Learning Outcome 4 Drugs and the Learning Process First time users:
Learn the techniques of drug-use
Learn to perceive the pleasurable effects of drug use
Learn to enjoy the social experience of drug use.

32. Learning Outcome 4 Models of Explanation Models of Addiction
The Psychopharmacological Model
The Economically Impulsive Model
The Systemic Model
Models of Addiction
The Medical Model of Addiction
The Chemical Model of Addiction

33. Relationship between Drugs and Crimes
Learning Outcome 4
Relationship between Drugs and Crimes
Psychopharmacological Model
People act violently because of drugs they take.
Economically Impulsive Model
People commit crimes so they can get money for drugs.
Systemic Model
Violence is by-product of relationships within the drug-using community.

34. Learning Outcome 4 Models of addiction
Medical model – addicts are not criminals. They have an illness and are forced into crime to feed their habit.
Criminal model – addicts endanger society with their behavior.
© 2011 Cengage Learning

35. Explain the theory of the chronic offender and its importance for the criminal justice system.

36. Learning Outcome 5 The Chronic Offender = career criminal.
Small percent of criminals responsible for majority of crimes.
Led to specific strategies to apprehend and prosecute repeat offenders.

37. ABC Video: Gang Prevention
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