Week 3: Causes of Crime

Beyond knowing “How Much” we also want to know “Why” crime occurs

• What causes it?

• The basic assumption = nothing happens for no reason

• If we can identify the reason:a) We can understand & explain it

b) We can prevent it.

How to explain what causes crime?

Historically, three kinds explanations have been used.

A. Supernatural (theological)─ Crimes = effects of evil forces

B. Classical (philosophical)─ Crimes = choices by free-willed rational actors

C. Positivist (scientific)─ Crimes = effects of causal factors

A. Supernatural1) Old and most basic explanation of crime (but

still regarded as most useful by many people)

2) Basic Premise: Visible ordinary events are caused or directed by unseen, extraordinary powers (that are beyond natural powers)

3) Deterministic explanation of crime4) General form demonic possession &

temptation lead to unusual CJ processes– Reliance on rituals and torture to reveal the true devil

behind the evil acts– Use of torture and mutilation to get rid of the devil

5) Its place in 21st century CJ?

B. Classical framework• Developed during “the Enlightenment”

(18th century), reflecting:– Impact of science & philosophy:

• Mathematics & logic

• Psychological “Hedonism”

• individual free-will & rationality

– An idealistic, philosophical framework

• Neo-Classical framework (20th century)– Making classical theory more realistic

– Combining philosophy & science

C. Positivist (scientific) framework• Developments of Science in 19th century

– Elaboration of “scientific method”

• Emphasis on cause-effect explanations

• Emphasis on empirical data

• Naturalism

– Scientific progress in biology & medicine

– Development of statistical analysis

– Development of theory of evolution– Deterministic philosophy of behavior

• Further developments in the 20th century

C. Positivist (scientific) framework• Positivist explanation of crime

– Replacement of philosophy/religion by science

• Reliance scientific method & research• Causal explanation (determinism & materialism)

– Types of positivistic theories of “the causes of crime”

1) Biological – in the body

2) Psychological – in the mind

3) Sociological – in the social environment

C. Positivist explanations of crime• Biological Positivism

1) Body shapes and morphology• Lombroso’s “atavisms” (primitive humans)• Sheldon’s “somatotypes” (physiques)

2) Genetics• heritability• Mapping the human genome

3) Neurological factors• Brain structures• Neurotransmitters

C. Positivist explanations of crime• Psychological Positivism

1) Mental Abilities (intellectual deficiencies)• Development of IQ tests & deficiency theory

2) Learned habits & behaviors• Crime as Conditioned habits (Pavlov; Skinner)• “Behavior mod”

3) Personality structures• Psychodymatic theory (Freud; ego psychology)• Psychopathic personality theory; DSM-III

4) Cognitive processes• Cognitive development theory (Piaget)

C. Positivist explanations of crime• Sociological Positivism

1) Social Structural theories the causes are in the macro-level conditions of society

• Merton’s Strain theory (structure in society)• Social Disorganization theory (neighborhoods)• Cultural Deviance theory (Subcultures)

2) Social Process theories causes are in micro-level relationships & situations

• Social Control (Bonds) theory (Hirschi)• Differential Association theory (Sutherland)• Social Identity theory (Labeling)

Emphasize the contrasts between the three perspectives.

A. How do they see human nature differently?

B. What different kinds of criminal justice policies or practices would they encourage or suggest?