88703_Jasmine_Perez_WA__1_Ch_3_2238678_1546477214

docx

School

Kathmandu University School of Management *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

401

Subject

Sociology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by DukeThunder12247

WA #1 Ch 3: The Complexity of Criminality Jasmine Perez Mcneese State University CJUS605 7WA Criminological Theory Telephone: 361-522-6667 Email: jperez4@mcneese.edu Instructor: Jennifer K. Creel, Ph.D.

The Complexity of Criminality Understanding criminality in today's society requires a sophisticated analysis, and the predetermined actor model emerges as a comprehensive framework that takes sociological, psychological, and biological elements into account. The foundation of this model can be found in the important work of Lombroso, which recognized the complexity of criminal conduct despite being relatively simple by today's standards. Lombroso's pioneering emphasis on physical attributes as indicators of criminal behavior established the foundation for multifactorial explanations that encompassed not only innate features but also inherited, societal, cultural, and financial elements. Theories and Approaches Even with their flaws, biological theories sparked important discussions regarding genetic architecture. Research into abnormalities in genetic architecture, such as extra chromosomes, was prompted by Lombroso's theories. These theories' flaws highlight how difficult it is to distinguish between biological and environmental influences on criminal conduct. Biological factors continued to be taken into account in spite of these obstacles, leading to continuous debates concerning the characteristics of "normal" and "harmless" individuals ( Rafter, 2008) . Psychological theories that explore the "criminal mind" and personality are based in the predestined actor tradition. This paradigm is consistent with psychodynamic and behavioral learning theories, which emphasize early childhood subconscious learning processes ( Miller, 2017) . The pioneers of behavioral theories, Pavlov and Skinner, highlighted in their work how operant training shapes behavior in response to outside stimuli. According to these views, a lot of the behaviors that children learn are reflexive reactions that are shaped by their surroundings.

Though they contradict the predestined actor model, cognitive learning theories offer an alternative viewpoint by allowing for choice and introspection. Cognitive learning theories suggest that people consciously respond to stimuli, making decisions based on mental processes, in contrast to the automatic responses highlighted by previous theories. This viewpoint presents the idea that people can pick up knowledge through expectations and observation, and then modify their behavior accordingly. Sociological approaches investigate environmental elements that contribute to criminal behavior, rejecting individualist interpretations. Cohen's study serves as an example of deviant subculture theories that emphasize the impact of social groupings on criminal activity. People participate in activities that are deemed "cool" in their social context because they want to be respected and have peer status within these subcultures. Therefore, this sociological viewpoint emphasizes how social surroundings influence criminal behavior, challenging the individual- centric approach ( Sellin, 2003) . Recommendations As chief of the Baltimore Police Department, adopting a transformational leadership approach becomes crucial. Detective Joe Crystal's actions, viewed as catalysts for positive change, align with this leadership style. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their teams, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and improvement. Acknowledging Crystal's courageous stance against the code of silence can serve as a turning point in transforming the organizational culture of law enforcement towards transparency and accountability. Ethically, a utilitarian perspective guides decision-making. Emphasizing overall well- being becomes paramount, and taking decisive action against retaliation aligns with ethical

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

utilitarian principles ( Burke, 2021) . By addressing the issue head-on and ensuring accountability, the department can contribute to the well-being of both its officers and the community it serves. Conclusion In summary, the predetermined actor model integrates biological, psychological, and societal elements to offer a multifaceted view of criminal behavior. Law enforcement organizations can effectively navigate the complex landscape of criminal conduct by implementing a transformational leadership strategy and upholding ethical utilitarian principles. This method can promote positive change and accountability among members of the organization. The development of criminological theories is a reflection of the continuous effort to understand the complex interactions among variables influencing criminal behavior in modern society.

References Burke, R.H. (2021). Contemporary Criminological Theory: Crime and criminal behavior in the age of moral uncertainty (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351242097 ISBN- 9780815374480 Miller, L. (2017). Psychological theories of criminal behavior. Handbook of Behavioral Criminology , 43-62. Rafter, N. (2008). The criminal brain: Understanding biological theories of crime . NYU Press. Sellin, T. (2003). A sociological approach to the study of crime causation. Crime , 85.

Related Documents

20231104225329budget_midterm_1.docx

Zachary Sutton CCJ 250 Midterm.docx

Questions Notes.docx

The Impact of Affirmative Action Policies on Diversity in Educational Institutions.edited.docx

Asgn231.docx

Week 5 JJ - Discussion.doc

FINANZAS_FIN005_PLANTILLA_TRABAJO_SEMANA_2.docx

CAPSTONE PROJECT.pptx

Understanding Employment Inequality: Whites vs. Non-whites

Portfolio2Assignment.docx

IDS 400 4-2 Activity- Critical Analysis- Reimagine.docx

44.png

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Pearson College Div

Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780393639407

Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...

Sociology

ISBN:9781305503076

Author:Earl R. Babbie

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...

Sociology

ISBN:9780134477596

Author:Saferstein, Richard

Publisher:PEARSON

Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134205571

Author:James M. Henslin

Publisher:PEARSON

Society: The Basics (14th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134206325

Author:John J. Macionis

Publisher:PEARSON

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Pearson College Div
Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780393639407
Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...
Sociology
ISBN:9781305503076
Author:Earl R. Babbie
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...
Sociology
ISBN:9780134477596
Author:Saferstein, Richard
Publisher:PEARSON
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134205571
Author:James M. Henslin
Publisher:PEARSON
Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134206325
Author:John J. Macionis
Publisher:PEARSON