A Primer on Criminological Theories

“Classical” Criminology

• Utilitarianism: Locke, Bentham, Beccaria• Biological Determinism: Lombroso, Sheldon• Psychological Determinism: Maudsley, Goring• Social Determinism: Tarde, Comte, Quetelet,

DURKHEIM

Rational Choice and Deterrence “Theories” and Concepts

• Routine Activities Theory• General Deterrence• Specific Deterrence• Incapacitation• Retribution

Contemporary Biological and Psychodynamic Studies

• Chromosomal evidence• Twin studies• Adoption studies• Biochemistry (including diet)• Neurophysiology• Psychoanalysis• Social learning• Cognitive theories• “Human nature”

Social Structure Theories

• Social Disorganization Theory• Ecological Theory• Anomie/Strain Theory• Relative Deprivation/Perceived Injustice

Theory• Cultural Deviance Theory• Theory of Delinquent Subcultures• Differential Opportunity Theory

Social Process Theories

• Differential Association Theory• Drift Theory, aka Theory of Techniques of

Neutralization • Labeling Theory• Control Theory/ “General Theory”

Conflict Theories

• Miller’s “Focal concerns of the lower classes” as a cultural conflict theory

• Marx and Bonger: who are the real criminals?• Feminist approaches