Why People Commit Crime

By Charles FeerDepartment of Criminal Justice

Bakersfield College

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What is a Crime

Social definition:

Behavior that violates the “norms” of society. “Antisocial Behavior”

“Norm” is any standard regarding what human beings should or should not do, think or say.

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Crime Defined

There is no uniform code of morality accepted by all of society.

Examples: Attitudes regarding gambling, prostitution, abortion.

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Crime Defined cont.Legal definition:

An act or failure to act when required to do so, that is a violation of the criminal law, committed without defense or excuse and penalized by the government.

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What is a crime?

Anti-social behavior that has been legislated as behavior that can be punished.

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What is a Theory?

Part of an explanation; of

A statement about a relationship between two classes of phenomena; which

Provides a better understanding.

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A Criminal Theory

Explains why or how certain things are related to criminal behavior.Some theories assume that crime is a part

of human nature.Such theories explain how human nature is

related to crime.

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Types of TheoriesClassical

Biological

Psychological

Social – Psychological

Conflict

Phenomenological

We have no idea why

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Classical / Free WillCrime is caused by the individual exercise of free will.Prevention is possible through swift and certain punishment.Punishment offsets the gain from the crime.

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Lack of Punishment

When the gains are greater than the punishment.

Example: Community Service

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Biological

“Criminal Genes” “Chromosomes”“X” and “Y” PatternsCriminals are identified through physical characteristics or genetic composition.Treatment is thought to be ineffective, but aggression may be usefully redirected.

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Psychological

Crime is the result of negative early childhood experiences or the product of a desire to be caught.

Treatment necessitates extensive therapy.

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Social - Psychological

Crime results from the failure of self-direction or inadequate social roles.

Treatment requires strengthened “self” concepts.

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Conflict

Crime is a natural consequence of Social, Political and Economic inequities.

The “Haves vs. Have Nots”

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Differential Association

Learning theory:

The passing on of information and custom.

A person becomes a criminal dependent upon “the company they keep.”

Learning includes:

Techniques of committing the crime.

Specific direction of motives, drives, rationalization and attitudes.

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PhenomenologicalThe source of criminal behavior is unknown, but available through case studies and detailed description of deviant life-styles.

Treatment requires a total reorientation of the offender.

Additional Discussion

Violent Extremism:

Is not a linear progression, but an evolving, dynamic situation involving numerous factors, catalysts, inhibitors, and mobilization variables.

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Pyramid Model

Pyramid Model on activism and radicalization contends that once an individual experiences changes in feelings, beliefs, or actions, the need for activism becomes the primary motivator, manifesting in increased levels of radicalization.

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Social Identity

Social Identity Theory: An individual’s self-image and status are directly connected to the group they belong to, resulting in social categorization. A sense of belonging becomes an important factor in pride and self-esteem.

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Social Identity

The central theme is that group members seek to find negative aspects of other groups, which enhances their self-image, but also might result in prejudice, hatred, and violence toward other groups.

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Gang ModelGang Model of Criminal Behavior: A gang member feels de-individualized and willing to commit violent acts consistent with the gang’s behavior and feels less personal responsibility.

This separation from self results in less accountability and self-awareness and manifests in instances of deviant behavior.

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Juvenile Delinquency

Causation Model of Juvenile Delinquency: A child is vulnerable to detrimental influences from familial, socioeconomic, educational, or ideological factors, resulting in criminal deviant behavior.

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Juvenile Delinquency

The child is subjected to dysfunctional behavioral norms, rather than supportive or nurturing norms, resulting in delinquent behavior. Once exposed to dysfunctional norms, the child begins to exhibit behavior contrary to social expectations.

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At-Risk Model

Risk Model: An individual becomes at-risk when three elements are present: threat, vulnerability, and consequence. These three elements are not independent of each other, but, rather, all must be present to result in an at-risk individual.

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At-Risk Model

The sum of these three elements equates to an individual’s risk, which considers motivation, intent, capability, opportunity, and psychological gain from acting on intentions.

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“I didn’t think I’d get caught.”

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We Have No Idea Why

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Five General Types of Punishment used in the U.S.

Fines

Probation

Intermediate Sanctions

Imprisonment

Death