1.In our reading, Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences, we explored foundational criminological theories and how they are shaped by the social contexts in which they emerge. Crime is a complex phenomenon influenced by both individual decision-making and broader societal conditions. Early explanations of crime were rooted in spiritual and moral reasoning, but over time, these gave way to more empirical, scientific approaches, leading to the development of the Classical and Positivist Schools of thought.
The Classical School, associated with thinkers like Beccaria and Bentham, emphasized rational choice, free will, and the belief that punishment should serve as a deterrent. This perspective advocated for clear legal codes, equal treatment under the law, and punishments proportionate to the offense. In contrast, the Positivist School, led by theorists such as Lombroso, aimed to explain crime as the result of biological, psychological, or social forces beyond an individual’s control.
A central insight from this material is that criminological theory does not develop in isolation. As illustrated in the lecture slides, theories are deeply influenced by the social, political, and economic conditions of their time. As societies evolve, so do their understandings of crime. Recognizing this dynamic is crucial to developing informed and effective criminal justice policies.
The ideas and theories we form about crime are strongly shaped by the social environments in which we live. As emphasized in the module, social context influences not only public opinion but also academic discourse and policy responses to criminal behavior. For example, during times of social unrest or economic hardship, people often turn to explanations that highlight systemic inequality or structural causes of crime (Lilly, 2019).
From a personal perspective, my view of crime has been shaped by my experiences in both my native country and the United States. In my home country, I witnessed how poverty, political instability, and a lack of trust in public institutions contributed to criminal behavior. After moving to the U.S., I observed how racial disparities, economic inequality, and media portrayals of crime affect public perceptions. These experiences have led me to adopt a broader perspective on crime, one that emphasizes social and structural factors over solely blaming the individual.Our current comprehension of the causes of crime incorporates key elements from both the Classical and Positivist Schools of thought. From the Classical perspective, individuals are viewed as rational actors who weigh the risks and rewards of their actions. As Beccaria argued, people exercise their autonomy in decision-making, and punishmentcan serve as an effective deterrent when it is swift, certain, and proportionate (Lilly, 2019).
At the same time, the Positivist School highlights the significance of social, psychological, and biological factors in shaping human behavior. Theories advanced by Lombroso and Ferri suggest that criminal behavior is not always the result of rational choice but can be affected by circumstances beyond an individual’s control, such as trauma, mental illness, or poverty.
In my view, a comprehensive understanding of crime must integrate both perspectives: while individuals have the capacity to make choices, those choices are often conditioned and limited by their environment and life experiences.
2. This week’s readings and videos were over The Context and Consequences of Theory as well as The Search for the Criminal Man. Chapter one explains how crime is a complex area that needs to be understood and studied more (Lilly et al., 2024). The Uniform Crime Reports data on the national crimes reported to police departments. Some common crimes that may not be reported to police departments include property crimes, date rape, white color crimes, and domestic violence. Criminological theories, social context, and criminal justice policy making are all connected because our community, lifestyles, beliefs, religion, family, upbringing, personal biases, social media, tv, and race relations all play a role in determining our understanding, beliefs, way of allowing and making changings in our communities and everyday lives (Lilly et al., 2024) Chapter two explained how social context is connected to understanding criminological theories. Spiritualism explains the conflict with good and bad. The belief is that if you commit a crime you are controlled by evil spirits/demons. Criminals would have trial by battle, ordeal, or compurgation (Lilly et al., 2024). Naturalistic is the belief of specific facts and details. This is by understanding humans and how their brains thing and work. The classical school is the belief that crimes are calculated actions. Everyone has a free will, and that punishment should be based on the crime. The theorist in our reading based their beliefs on their own perception of crimes and individuals that commit them. Ideas and the different theories of crime are sometimes influenced by the social context in which people live. A person’s community, upbringing, values, norms, family, religion, employment status, family’s employment status, education, the media social skills, personal biases, interaction with law enforcement, and understanding of others can greatly influence their behavior and idea about criminal activity. Everyone wasn’t raised in a religious, strict household with rules, and consequences. Some people may have even raised themselves more than their parents did. There are so many circumstances and situations that I can think of that could allow a person to be influenced to do good or bad. I have an extensive law enforcement background and have learned a lot about laws and the criminal justice system over the years. I’ve talked to several criminals over the phone and in the prison systems. It is sometimes very interesting to learn and understand why a person did what they did. One common thing that I’ve notice from criminals is that they usually tell on themselves in the first five minutes of talking if they want to talk to you to tell you what, when, and why they committed a crime. A lot of crimes are influenced by a person’s upbringing and employment status. My perceptions of what causes crimes are a little different from the average person because of my law enforcement background. I’ve heard a lot of criminals discuss crimes by phone with me and even in person. I’ve studied, watched, and researched criminals by phone and in person. I do feel that a lot of crimes occur because of a person’s upbringing and employment status. My beliefs of what causes a crime fall more under the classical school. I feel that most crimes are planned, calculated and done based on a person’s free will. Everyone knows right from wrong and knows that when you commit a crime you may go to jail or prison. I feel that most crimes are thought out way before they happen, are then planned and calculated to be followed through and then the person hopes they will never get caught. Most criminals think they will never get caught and that’s how they get caught.
