5.1 Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives
In this chapter, we will focus on theories that explore why some people may commit crime. As we cover these different theories and reasons, we will discuss how historical views have impacted the current U.S. criminal justice system. Finally we will look at Crime Prevention Science solutions, based on vetted criminological theories, that present new ways to tackle and decrease crime.
5.1.1 Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, students will be able to do the following:
- Distinguish between classical, positivism, and other (biological, psychological, and sociological) explanations of criminal behavior.
- Recognize the links between crime control policy and theories of criminal behavior.
- Demonstrate effective application of criminological theories to behavior.
- Explain the major social structures in America and their relationship to crime theories.
- Describe the criminological theories that support crime prevention science or CPSc Solutions.
5.1.2 Key Terms
Below are some of the most important key terms and phrases used in this chapter. You should review and become familiar with these terms before reading this chapter:
- control theories
- crime prevention science (CPSc) solutions
- feminist theories
- hedonism
- labeling theories
- learning theories
- positivism
- situational crime prevention
- social disorganization
- strain theories
- theory
5.1.3 Critical Thinking Questions
Take a few minutes and reflect on these questions before you read the chapter to assess what you already know. Then, after reading the chapter, return to these questions to gauge how much you’ve learned:
- How do we know what theories explain crime better than other theories?
- How did the classical theory of crime influence the American criminal justice system?
- Why is it difficult to study biological theories of crime without thinking about the social environment?
- Which theory do you think explains criminal behavior the best? Why?
- Why do you think there have been so many different explanations to describe the origins of criminal behavior?
5.1.4 Licenses and Attributions for Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives
“5.1. Chapter Overview ” by Megan Gonzalez is adapted from “5: Criminological Theory” by Brian Fedorek in SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System by Alison S. Burke, David Carter, Brian Fedorek, Tiffany Morey, Lore Rutz-Burri, and Shanell Sanchez, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Edited for style, consistency, recency, and brevity.