CCJS 105 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Broken Windows Theory, White-Collar Crime, Juvenile Delinquency
Document Summary
What is a theory? set of interrelated propositions explaining our lives & the world around us. Why is it important to study theories of crime? explain why some are more likely to commit crime guide research on crime help society better control, prevent, & reduce crime. Demonic/demonological school - based on religion (if you"re innocent, god won"t let you burn at the stake) Classical criminology - challenged demonic perspective, interested in criticizing system and offering reforms, created by enlightenment thinkers. Enlightenment - associated with the scientific revolution (reason based on scientific evidence) Assumptions of classical theory - individuals are rational and hedonistic, pursue their own interests, have free will, act to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Hedonism - pain must outweigh punishment; individuals want to decrease their own pain and increase their pleasure; people will commit a crime if the benefits outweigh the costs. Free will - individuals have a choice to engage to or desist from crime.