SOC 2700 Lecture : contemporary classicism
21 Dec 2011
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This is a crime prevention model y specific deterrence: for people who have been caught for their crimes, especially street criminals and occasional deviants- effective for one time offenders who will likely never offend again. However, there is a greater question if it works for repeat offenders and violent offenders. three dimensions of punishment y severity: the harshness of punishment- more severe crime=more severe punishment. y certainty: the likelihood of getting caught and punished. Says the death penalty excites criminal activity and violent behavior. Rationale choice theory: ties to classicism, people are rational by nature, economic ideas of behavior: people balance the costs and benefits ex. I might go to jail but i could get a lot of money by robbing this store: opportunity breeds criminal behavior, maximization of benefits & rewards, avoids costs of crime. Rational choice and crime: sanctions can be informal or formal y formal: getting caught and going to jail, getting fines y.
