Crime Theory Tweets
140 Character Summaries of Popular Criminological Theories
Justin W. Patchin, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (CRMJ 301)
Theory
Main Theorist(s)
Summary
Classical school of
criminology
Positivist school of
criminology
Social disorganization
Beccaria
Crime is inherently rewarding. People offend based on a free will choice. To prevent,
must punish so potential benefit not worth it.
Born criminals. Crime caused by something beyond person’s control (usually biological
or psychological).
High mobility areas result in inability of neighbors to organize in defense of common
values. Physical disorder symbols of social breakdown.
Criminal behavior thrives in areas where residents are apathetic toward their
environment and neighbors (absence of collective efficacy).
Crime & deviance a result of low self-control. One’s level of self-control stabile at age 8.
Opportunity also important.
Our bond (attachment, commitment, involvement, belief) to parents & others restrains
our innate desire to engage in deviance.
Pursuit of American Dream (wealth accumulation) is main cause of crime. Some will do
whatever is necessary to acquire $$$.
Illegitimate means to achieve wealth are also inaccessible to some. Perception is that
joining a gang increases opportunities.
Some youth are unable to achieve middle-class standards so they supplant legit
pursuits with desire to achieve status/respect among peers.
Strain plus negative affect equals crime. 3 sources: inability to achieve; something
valued removed; something painful introduced.
We believe and behave in ways that are consistent with those in our lives who we value.
Peers important.
Criminal behaviors are learned in the same way that other behaviors are learned.
Rewards, punishments, reinforcements, imitation.
Certain groups have different values and incentives than dominant culture.
Honor/respect esteemed over all else (even life and freedom).
People will refrain from criminal behavior if the cost is great enough. Penalty must be
swift, certain, and sufficiently severe.
Potential criminals weigh possible costs versus possible benefits when deciding
whether to offend. Behavior a function of opportunity.
Crime occurs when motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of capable guardian
converge.
If society defines a person as a criminal, deviant, felon, or troublemaker, that person
will organize life & behaviors around those titles.
Lombroso
Broken Windows
Park & Burgess; Shaw &
McKay; Sampson
Wilson and Kelling
General theory of crime
Gottfredson & Hirschi
Social bonding theory
Hirschi
Strain theory
(classic/anomie)
Strain theory
Merton
Strain theory
Cohen
General strain theory
Agnew
Differential association
theory
Social learning theory
Sutherland
Subcultural theories
Deterrence theory
Miller; Anderson;
Wolfgang & Ferracuti
Beccaria; Patternoster
Rational choice theory
Clarke & Cornish
Routine activities theory
Cohen & Felson
Labeling theory
Tannenbaum; Lemert
Cloward & Ohlin
Akers
Theory
Main Theorist(s)
Summary
Reintegrative shaming
Braithwaite
Feminist criminology theory
Adler; Simon
Conflict theory
Marx
Developmental theory
Moffitt; Sampson & Laub
Control balance
Tittle
Integrated theory
Elliott, Huizinga, & Ageton
General Theory of Crime
Agnew
Shame is most important in understanding criminal’s motives. When stigmatized by
society, crime more likely. When reintegrated, less likely.
Patriarchy (male domination) main cause of crime. Gender socialization also important.
Further liberation may increase female crime.
There’s conflict over values & scarce resources. Mediated by those who have power in a
way that benefits them at the expense of others.
Different experiences over life course influence one’s risk of offending. Risk highest in
adolescence. Transitions important.
When one has excess of control over others or lack of control over their own
circumstances, they’re predisposed to crime.
Borrows ideas from various other perspectives and combines them in a way that makes
sense and explains more crime.
Crime likely when constraints against it are low & motivations for it are high. Self,
family, peers, work, & school domains important.