CRIM 2650 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Anomie, Labeling Theory, Atavism
Document Summary
Assumptions about human nature, society, crime, and the criminal. Criminals are hedonistic and in pursuit of personal pleasures, partakes in a balancing act of cost/benefit or pain/pleasure. Everyone is considered equal and able to make rational decisions and freely chooses to violate the law. Crime is defined as an act that injures or harms society. Routine activity theory assumes that crime is opportunistic. That crime is a result of everyday activities and the consistency of routines. It suggests that crime is committed by those close to us, individuals who know are routine and are ready to strike provided these 3 factors are present; motivated offender, suitable target, and absence of guardian. Your behaviour and criminal inclination is biologically determined from birth. Criminally is viewed as abnormal but natural in society, not a result of free choice. The idea of the born criminal, less evolved humans, evolutionary throwbacks (social.
