Introduction to Criminological Theory
Introduction to Criminological Theory
Classicism, Biological and Psychological Positivist theories Dr. Ruth McAlister Week 3
Lecture Aim:
The aim of this lecture is to introduce students to the birth of criminology as a discipline and to outline early thinking on criminality
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lecture students will:
Have a better understanding of the ‘birth’ of criminology Appreciate the pros and cons of early criminological theory more generally in attempting to understand why some people are criminal Be able to argue (or not) if people are ‘born’ criminal or whether there is such a thing as a ‘criminal mind’
1
Lecture Format
• Introduction and discussion of classical theory • Introduction and discussion of biological positivism • Introduction and discussion of psychological positivism
What is theory?
A way of thinking about the world When you engage with theory you try to make sense of what the author has argued It has a deliberate purpose forcing us to look at the world in new ways It is often deliberately contentious giving you something to argue against or for Theory attempts to ensure there is an ongoing conversation about key ideas, as well as changes within society
Introduction
Birth of criminology associated with the classical school of 18th C Classical criminology = people choose a criminal life Positivism = ‘features’ of individual may/may not make them criminal Biological – are people are ‘born’ criminal? Psychological – is there a criminal personality?
2
Classical criminology: A background
Humans are rational actors Shift from feudal to industrial society Impact of American and French revolutions
18th Century Classical School
On Crimes and Punishments Cesare de Beccaria (1764) Propensity for crime exists in everyone Law should be simple and clear Punishment should be dictated by legislation rather than courts Excessive punishment is not just Punishment should be
Classicism, Biological and Psychological Positivist theories Dr. Ruth McAlister Week 3
Lecture Aim:
The aim of this lecture is to introduce students to the birth of criminology as a discipline and to outline early thinking on criminality
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lecture students will:
Have a better understanding of the ‘birth’ of criminology Appreciate the pros and cons of early criminological theory more generally in attempting to understand why some people are criminal Be able to argue (or not) if people are ‘born’ criminal or whether there is such a thing as a ‘criminal mind’
1
Lecture Format
• Introduction and discussion of classical theory • Introduction and discussion of biological positivism • Introduction and discussion of psychological positivism
What is theory?
A way of thinking about the world When you engage with theory you try to make sense of what the author has argued It has a deliberate purpose forcing us to look at the world in new ways It is often deliberately contentious giving you something to argue against or for Theory attempts to ensure there is an ongoing conversation about key ideas, as well as changes within society
Introduction
Birth of criminology associated with the classical school of 18th C Classical criminology = people choose a criminal life Positivism = ‘features’ of individual may/may not make them criminal Biological – are people are ‘born’ criminal? Psychological – is there a criminal personality?
2
Classical criminology: A background
Humans are rational actors Shift from feudal to industrial society Impact of American and French revolutions
18th Century Classical School
On Crimes and Punishments Cesare de Beccaria (1764) Propensity for crime exists in everyone Law should be simple and clear Punishment should be dictated by legislation rather than courts Excessive punishment is not just Punishment should be