Criminological Theory
Expert-defined terms from the Criminal Behavior Analysis course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Abridged crime refers to a crime that is not fully completed, often due t… #
Related terms include attempt, conspiracy, and solicitation. In the context of criminological theory, abridged crime is often studied in relation to the theory of deterrence, which suggests that the threat of punishment can prevent individuals from committing crimes. For example, if an individual attempts to commit a robbery but is interrupted by a police officer, the crime is considered abridged.
Acquisitive crime is a type of crime that involves the theft or destructi… #
Related terms include burglary, larceny, and vandalism. In the context of criminological theory, acquisitive crime is often studied in relation to the theory of rational choice, which suggests that individuals make decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis. For example, an individual may choose to commit a burglary if they believe the potential reward outweighs the potential risks and consequences.
Adolescent #
limited offending refers to a pattern of behavior in which an individual commits crimes during adolescence but desists from crime as they enter adulthood. Related terms include life-course persistent offending and desistance. In the context of criminological theory, adolescent-limited offending is often studied in relation to the theory of social learning, which suggests that individuals learn behaviors through observation and reinforcement. For example, an individual may learn to commit crimes through association with delinquent peers, but desist from crime as they develop more prosocial relationships and pursue legitimate opportunities.
Anomie theory is a criminological theory that suggests that crime is caus… #
Related terms include strain theory and social disorganization theory. In the context of criminological theory, anomie theory is often studied in relation to the concept of social cohesion, which refers to the bonds that hold a community together. For example, a community with high levels of social cohesion may have lower rates of crime due to the presence of strong social norms and values.
Anti #
social behavior refers to behavior that is harmful or disruptive to others, often in a way that is intentional or reckless. Related terms include conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. In the context of criminological theory, anti-social behavior is often studied in relation to the theory of psychological personality, which suggests that individual differences in personality can contribute to criminal behavior. For example, an individual with a personality disorder such as anti-social personality disorder may be more likely to engage in anti-social behavior.
Assault is a crime that involves the use of physical force or the threat… #
Related terms include battery, domestic violence, and harassment. In the context of criminological theory, assault is often studied in relation to the theory of aggression, which suggests that individuals may engage in aggressive behavior due to a range of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and social learning. For example, an individual may learn to engage in aggressive behavior through observation of others or through reinforcement of aggressive behavior.
Attachment theory is a psychological theory that suggests that the bond b… #
Related terms include attachment style and parental investment. In the context of criminological theory, attachment theory is often studied in relation to the concept of social bonding, which refers to the relationships between individuals and their social environment. For example, an individual with a secure attachment style may be more likely to form positive relationships with others and engage in prosocial behavior.
Burglary is a crime that involves the unauthorized entry into a building… #
Related terms include breaking and entering, and larceny. In the context of criminological theory, burglary is often studied in relation to the theory of routine activities, which suggests that crime is more likely to occur when there is a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship. For example, a burglar may target a home that is unoccupied and lacks security measures.
Career criminal refers to an individual who engages in a pattern o… #
Related terms include chronic offender and habitual offender. In the context of criminological theory, career criminal is often studied in relation to the theory of life-course persistence, which suggests that certain individuals are more likely to engage in persistent offending due to a range of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and social learning. For example, an individual who begins offending at a young age and continues to offend into adulthood may be considered a career criminal.
Chronic offender refers to an individual who engages in a pattern … #
Related terms include career criminal and habitual offender. In the context of criminological theory, chronic offender is often studied in relation to the theory of life-course persistence, which suggests that certain individuals are more likely to engage in persistent offending due to a range of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and social learning. For example, an individual who begins offending at a young age and continues to offend into adulthood may be considered a chronic offender.
Classical criminology is a criminological theory that suggests that crime… #
Related terms include neoclassical criminology and rational choice theory. In the context of criminological theory, classical criminology is often studied in relation to the concept of deterrence, which refers to the use of punishment to prevent crime. For example, a classical criminologist may argue that increasing the severity of punishment for a particular crime will deter individuals from committing that crime.
Cognitive #
behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Related terms include cognitive-behavioral theory and behavioral modification. In the context of criminological theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy is often studied in relation to the theory of psychological rehabilitation, which suggests that individuals can change their behavior through a process of learning and rehabilitation. For example, an individual who has committed a crime may participate in cognitive-behavioral therapy to address underlying issues such as substance abuse or mental health problems.
Collective efficacy refers to the ability of a community to come together… #
Related terms include social cohesion and community engagement. In the context of criminological theory, collective efficacy is often studied in relation to the theory of social disorganization, which suggests that crime is more likely to occur in communities with high levels of social disorganization and low levels of social cohesion. For example, a community with high levels of collective efficacy may be more effective at preventing crime through community-based initiatives such as neighborhood watch programs.
Community #
based corrections refers to a approach to corrections that focuses on providing services and support to individuals in the community, rather than in a traditional correctional setting. Related terms include probation, parole, and restorative justice. In the context of criminological theory, community-based corrections is often studied in relation to the theory of reintegration, which suggests that individuals can be successfully reintegrated into the community through a process of support and rehabilitation. For example, an individual who has been released from prison may participate in a community-based corrections program to receive support and services such as housing and employment assistance.
Conduct disorder is a psychological disorder that is characterized by a <… #
Related terms include oppositional defiant disorder and anti-social personality disorder. In the context of criminological theory, conduct disorder is often studied in relation to the theory of psychological personality, which suggests that individual differences in personality can contribute to criminal behavior. For example, an individual with conduct disorder may be more likely to engage in anti-social behavior and commit crimes.
Control theory is a criminological theory that suggests that crime is the… #
Related terms include social bond theory and self-control theory. In the context of criminological theory, control theory is often studied in relation to the concept of social cohesion, which refers to the bonds that hold a community together. For example, a community with high levels of social cohesion may have lower rates of crime due to the presence of strong social norms and values.
Crime analysis is the process of analyzing data and information to unders… #
Related terms include crime mapping and crime prevention. In the context of criminological theory, crime analysis is often studied in relation to the theory of environmental criminology, which suggests that crime is influenced by the physical and social environment. For example, a crime analyst may use data and mapping techniques to identify high-crime areas and develop targeted interventions to prevent crime.
Crime prevention is the process of preventing crime through a range of st… #
Related terms include crime reduction and crime control. In the context of criminological theory, crime prevention is often studied in relation to the theory of situational crime prevention, which suggests that crime can be prevented by reducing opportunities and increasing the risk of detection. For example, a community may implement a crime prevention program that includes strategies such as improved lighting and security cameras to reduce the opportunity for crime.
Criminological theory refers to the study of the causes and consequences… #
Related terms include criminology and criminal justice. In the context of criminological theory, criminological theory is often studied in relation to the concept of crime causation, which refers to the factors that contribute to the occurrence of crime. For example, a criminological theorist may study the relationship between poverty and crime, or the impact of social learning on criminal behavior.
Cultural criminology is a criminological theory that suggests that crime… #
Related terms include critical criminology and postmodern criminology. In the context of criminological theory, cultural criminology is often studied in relation to the theory of cultural deviance, which suggests that crime is a form of cultural expression and resistance. For example, a cultural criminologist may study the relationship between hip-hop music and crime, or the impact of social media on youth culture and crime.
Delinquency refers to behavior that is considered criminal or deviant, of… #
Related terms include juvenile delinquency and status offense. In the context of criminological theory, delinquency is often studied in relation to the theory of social learning, which suggests that individuals learn behaviors through observation and reinforcement. For example, a juvenile may learn to engage in delinquent behavior through association with delinquent peers, or through reinforcement of delinquent behavior by family members or other adults.
Desistance refers to the process of stopping or reducing criminal behavio… #
Related terms include rehabilitation and reentry. In the context of criminological theory, desistance is often studied in relation to the theory of life-course persistence, which suggests that certain individuals are more likely to engage in persistent offending due to a range of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and social learning. For example, an individual who has been incarcerated may participate in a desistance program to receive support and services such as counseling and job training.
Deterrence refers to the use of punishment to prevent crime, often throug… #
Related terms include general deterrence and specific deterrence. In the context of criminological theory, deterrence is often studied in relation to the theory of classical criminology, which suggests that crime is the result of rational choice and that individuals make decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis. For example, a classical criminologist may argue that increasing the severity of punishment for a particular crime will deter individuals from committing that crime.
Developmental criminology is a criminological theory that suggests that c… #
Related terms include life-course criminology and developmental psychology. In the context of criminological theory, developmental criminology is often studied in relation to the theory of life-course persistence, which suggests that certain individuals are more likely to engage in persistent offending due to a range of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and social learning. For example, a developmental criminologist may study the relationship between childhood trauma and adult criminal behavior, or the impact of adolescent development on the onset of criminal behavior.
Domestic violence refers to violence or abuse that occurs within the cont… #
Related terms include intimate partner violence and family violence. In the context of criminological theory, domestic violence is often studied in relation to the theory of power and control, which suggests that domestic violence is a form of coercion and control. For example, a domestic violence theorist may study the relationship between power and control in intimate relationships, or the impact of societal attitudes and norms on domestic violence.
Environmental criminology is a criminological theory that suggests that c… #
Related terms include crime prevention through environmental design and situational crime prevention. In the context of criminological theory, environmental criminology is often studied in relation to the theory of routine activities, which suggests that crime is more likely to occur when there is a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship. For example, an environmental criminologist may study the relationship between urban design and crime, or the impact of lighting and security cameras on crime prevention.
Family violence refers to violence or abuse that occurs within the contex… #
Related terms include domestic violence and child abuse. In the context of criminological theory, family violence is often studied in relation to the theory of power and control, which suggests that family violence is a form of coercion and control. For example, a family violence theorist may study the relationship between power and control in family relationships, or the impact of societal attitudes and norms on family violence.
Feminist criminology is a criminological theory that suggests that crime… #
Related terms include feminist theory and critical criminology. In the context of criminological theory, feminist criminology is often studied in relation to the theory of gender and crime, which suggests that crime is influenced by gender roles and societal expectations. For example, a feminist criminologist may study the relationship between gender and crime, or the impact of patriarchal attitudes and norms on women's experiences of crime and victimization.
General strain theory is a criminological theory that suggests that crime… #
Related terms include strain theory and social learning theory. In the context of criminological theory, general strain theory is often studied in relation to the theory of anomie, which suggests that crime is caused by a lack of social norms and values. For example, a general strain theorist may study the relationship between poverty and crime, or the impact of social isolation on mental health and crime.
Habitual offender refers to an individual who engages in a pattern … #
Related terms include career criminal and chronic offender. In the context of criminological theory, habitual offender is often studied in relation to the theory of life-course persistence, which suggests that certain individuals are more likely to engage in persistent offending due to a range of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and social learning. For example, an individual who begins offending at a young age and continues to offend into adulthood may be considered a habitual offender.
Intimate partner violence refers to violence or abuse that occurs within… #
Related terms include domestic violence and family violence. In the context of criminological theory, intimate partner violence is often studied in relation to the theory of power and control, which suggests that intimate partner violence is a form of coercion and control. For example, an intimate partner violence theorist may study the relationship between power and control in intimate relationships, or the impact of societal attitudes and norms on intimate partner violence.
Juvenile delinquency refers to behavior that is considered criminal or de… #
Related terms include delinquency and status offense. In the context of criminological theory, juvenile delinquency is often studied in relation to the theory of social learning, which suggests that individuals learn behaviors through observation and reinforcement. For example, a juvenile may learn to engage in delinquent behavior through association with delinquent peers, or through reinforcement of delinquent behavior by family members or other adults.
Life #
course criminology is a criminological theory that suggests that crime is shaped by developmental factors, often including issues such as childhood trauma and adolescent development. Related terms include developmental criminology and life-course persistence. In the context of criminological theory, life-course criminology is often studied in relation to the theory of life-course persistence, which suggests that certain individuals are more likely to engage in persistent offending due to a range of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and social learning. For example, a life-course criminologist may study the relationship between childhood trauma and adult criminal behavior, or the impact of adolescent development on the onset of criminal behavior.
Life #
course persistence refers to the process by which an individual engages in a pattern of persistent offending over the course of their lifetime. Related terms include career criminal and chronic offender. In the context of criminological theory, life-course persistence is often studied in relation to the theory of life-course criminology, which suggests that crime is shaped by developmental factors, often including issues such as childhood trauma and adolescent development. For example, an individual who begins offending at a young age and continues to offend into adulthood may be considered to be engaging in life-course persistence.
Neoclassical criminology is a criminological theory that suggests that cr… #
Related terms include classical criminology and rational choice theory. In the context of criminological theory, neoclassical criminology is often studied in relation to the concept of deterrence, which refers to the use of punishment to prevent crime. For example, a neoclassical criminologist may argue that increasing the severity of punishment for a particular crime will deter individuals from committing that crime.
Neutralization theory is a criminological theory that suggests that indiv… #
Related terms include techniques of neutralization and rationalization. In the context of criminological theory, neutralization theory is often studied in relation to the theory of social learning, which suggests that individuals learn behaviors through observation and reinforcement. For example, an individual who engages in deviant or criminal behavior may use techniques of neutralization such as denial of responsibility or condemnation of the condemners to justify or rationalize their behavior.
Opportunistic crime refers to crime that is committed in response to a pa… #
Related terms include situational crime and routine activities theory. In the context of criminological theory, opportunistic crime is often studied in relation to the theory of routine activities, which suggests that crime is more likely to occur when there is a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship. For example, an individual may commit a crime of opportunity such as shoplifting or pickpocketing in response to a particular situation or opportunity.
Organized crime refers to crime that is committed by a group or organizat… #
Related terms include transnational organized crime and gang activity. In the context of criminological theory, organized crime is often studied in relation to the theory of social organization, which suggests that crime is influenced by the social and organizational context in which it occurs. For example, an organized crime group may engage in activities such as drug trafficking or extortion, and may use techniques such as intimidation and violence to maintain control and enforce loyalty.
Psychological criminology is a criminological theory that suggests that c… #
Related terms include psychological theory and psychiatric criminology. In the context of criminological theory, psychological criminology is often studied in relation to the theory of psychological personality, which suggests that individual differences in personality can contribute to criminal behavior. For example, a psychological criminologist may study the relationship between personality traits such as impulsivity or aggression and crime, or the impact of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety on crime.
Rational choice theory is a criminological theory that suggests that crim… #
Related terms include classical criminology and neoclassical criminology. In the context of criminological theory, rational choice theory is often studied in relation to the concept of deterrence, which refers to the use of punishment to prevent crime. For example, a rational choice theorist may argue that increasing the severity of punishment for a particular crime will deter individuals from committing that crime.
Rehabilitation refers to the process of helping an individual to change t… #
Related terms include treatment and reentry. In the context of criminological theory, rehabilitation is often studied in relation to the theory of psychological rehabilitation, which suggests that individuals can change their behavior through a process of learning and rehabilitation. For example, an individual who has been incarcerated may participate in a rehabilitation program to receive support and services such as counseling and job training.
Restorative justice is a approach to justice that focuses on repairing th… #
Related terms include restorative justice theory and reparative justice. In the context of criminological theory, restorative justice is often studied in relation to the theory of reintegration, which suggests that individuals can be successfully reintegrated into the community through a process of support and rehabilitation. For example, a restorative justice program may bring together victims, offenders, and community members to address the harm caused by a crime and develop a plan for repair and reparation.
Routine activities theory is a criminological theory that suggests that c… #
Related terms include situational crime prevention and opportunistic crime. In the context of criminological theory, routine activities theory is often studied in relation to the theory of environmental criminology, which suggests that crime is influenced by the physical and social environment. For example, a routine activities theorist may study the relationship between urban design and crime, or the impact of lighting and security cameras on crime prevention.
Self #
control theory is a criminological theory that suggests that crime is the result of a lack of self-control, often due to a range of factors including impulsivity, risk-taking, and low self-esteem. Related terms include self-control and impulsivity. In the context of criminological theory, self-control theory is often studied in relation to the theory of psychological personality, which suggests that individual differences in personality can contribute to criminal behavior. For example, a self-control theorist may study the relationship between impulsivity and crime, or the impact of self-control on decision-making and behavior.
Social bond theory is a criminological theory that suggests that crime is… #
Related terms include social learning theory and control theory. In the context of criminological theory, social bond theory is often studied in relation to the theory of social cohesion, which refers to the bonds that hold a community together. For example, a social bond theorist may study the relationship between family relationships and crime, or the impact of community relationships on crime and delinquency.
Social disorganization theory is a criminological theory that suggests th… #
Related terms include social ecology and community crime prevention. In the context of criminological theory, social disorganization theory is often studied in relation to the theory of anomie, which suggests that crime is caused by a lack of social norms and values. For example, a social disorganization theorist may study the relationship between poverty and crime, or the impact of social isolation on crime and delinquency.
Social learning theory is a criminological theory that suggests that crim… #
Related terms include learning theory and behavioral theory. In the context of criminological theory, social learning theory is often studied in relation to the theory of psychological personality, which suggests that individual differences in personality can contribute to criminal behavior. For example, a social learning theorist may study the relationship between peer relationships and crime, or the impact of family relationships on crime and delinquency.
Sociological criminology is a criminological theory that suggests that cr… #
Related terms include sociological theory and criminological theory. In the context of criminological theory, sociological criminology is often studied in relation to the theory of social disorganization, which suggests that crime is the result of social disorganization, often due to a range of factors including poverty, inequality, and social isolation. For example, a sociological criminologist may study the relationship between poverty and crime, or the impact of social isolation on crime and delinquency.
Strain theory is a criminological theory that suggests that crime is the… #
Related terms include general strain theory and social learning theory. In the context of criminological theory, strain theory is often studied in relation to the theory of anomie, which suggests that crime is caused by a lack of social norms and values. For example, a strain theorist may study the relationship between poverty and crime, or the impact of social isolation on mental health and crime.
Subcultural theory is a criminological theory that suggests that crime is… #
Related terms include subcultural criminology and cultural criminology. In the context of criminological theory, subcultural theory is often studied in relation to the theory of social learning, which suggests that individuals learn behaviors through observation and reinforcement. For example, a subcultural theorist may study the relationship between youth culture and crime, or the impact of gang activity on crime and delinquency.
Victimology is the study of the causes and consequences of victimization,… #
Related terms include victim support and victim services. In the context of criminological theory, victimology is often studied in relation to the theory of victim precipitation, which suggests that victims may play a role in the occurrence of crime, often through their behavior or actions. For example, a victimologist may study the relationship between lifestyle and victimization, or the impact of victim support services on victim outcomes and well-being.
White #
collar crime refers to crime that is committed by individuals or organizations in the course of their occupations or professions, often for financial gain. Related terms include corporate crime and organizational crime. In the context of criminological theory, white-collar crime is often studied in relation to the theory of opportunity, which suggests that crime is more likely to occur when there is a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship. For example, a white-collar criminologist may study the relationship between corporate culture and crime, or the impact of regulatory environments on white-collar crime.