Criminology
Prison rehabilitation programmes
Prison rehabilitation programs are essential for reducing recidivism and improving the social reintegration of inmates. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and support necessary to lead productive, crime-free lives after their release. Education and vocational training…Teories of criminology: Integrated theories
Integrated theories in criminology represent a significant advancement by synthesizing elements from multiple existing theories to provide a more comprehensive understanding of crime and deviance. These theories aim to bridge gaps and limitations of single-factor explanations, offering a multifaceted approach…Theories of criminology: Postmodern criminology
Postmodern criminology questions traditional assumptions of criminology, emphasizing language, power, and social constructs in understanding crime and justice. This essay explores its origins, key authors, core ideas, impact, and crime prevention strategies. Origins of Postmodern Criminology Intellectual Foundations Postmodern criminology…Theories of criminology: Contemporary theories
Contemporary theories in criminology encompass a diverse range of perspectives that build upon and refine earlier criminological frameworks. These theories reflect advancements in technology, interdisciplinary approaches, and a more nuanced understanding of crime and deviance in modern society. This essay…Theories of criminology: Critical theories
Critical theories in criminology seek to understand the interconnectedness of power, inequality, and crime. These theories challenge traditional perspectives that often overlook societal structures and power dynamics as influential factors in crime and the criminal justice system. This essay explores…Theories of criminology: Sociological theories
Sociological theories of criminology focus on understanding the social and environmental contexts in which crime occurs, diverging from the individual-focused perspectives of classical and positivist criminologies. These theories argue that crime is a social phenomenon influenced by cultural norms, social…
Theories of criminology: Positivist theories
Positivist theories in criminology mark a significant departure from the classical school, shifting the focus from rational choice and free will to scientific methodologies and determinism. Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, positivist theories emphasize that criminal…Criminology theories: the Classical School
Origins of the Classical School The Classical School of Criminology emerged during the Enlightenment period (17th to 18th centuries) in Europe, characterized by a growing emphasis on reason, individualism, and scientific rationality. This era saw significant philosophical and scientific advancements…Main differences between a suicide hanging and a faked homicide
In the dimness of a Victorian attic, the body of an individual is found suspended from the beams. At first glance, the body shows no initial signs of decomposition, suggesting a recent event. As one draws closer, the absence of…Myths about serial killers
Serial killings have a vast history and global presence that extend beyond American culture. The study of these crimes began in the 19th century, notably by Dr. Richard von Krafft-Ebing in his work Psychopathia Sexualis. Despite their infrequency, accounting for…An introduction to environmental criminology
Environmental criminology emerges as a crucial field of study focused on environmental crimes and broader damages to the environment, adopting a "green" perspective towards ecological justice, environmental legislation, and criminality that affects both the natural environment and non-human species. This…Exploring the branches of Mediation: a guide for criminology professionals
Often underestimated, the field of mediation presents a vast and diversified range of opportunities for criminology graduates. Mediation, a crucial element in conflict resolution, spans from family matters to international disputes, each with its unique characteristics and challenges. Family Mediation…
Serial killers: power dynamics
The concept of social dominion provides a multifaceted framework for understanding the complex behaviors of serial killers, highlighting the interplay between individual psychology, social interactions, environmental settings, and broader social influences. This approach deconstructs the simplistic notion of serial killers…Durkheim’s sociological positivism
Emile Durkheim, often regarded as the founding father of academic sociology in France, introduced a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of society that significantly diverged from his predecessors, particularly Auguste Comte. Durkheim's sociological positivism emphasized the primacy of social…Prisons, Lombroso’s playground
Lombroso, often regarded as a pioneer in criminology, based his theories on a mix of physical measurements, personal observations, and various non-scientific sources. This critique highlights several key issues with Lombroso's work, such as his reliance on prisoners as a…Chicago School and the Ecological Theory of Crime
The Chicago School emerged at a time when sociology was beginning to establish itself as a scientific discipline. In the early 20th century, scholars from the University of Chicago, such as Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay, initiated an ambitious project…Criminal profiling techniques
Criminal profiling, or crime profiling, is an investigative technique that involves various fields of knowledge such as psychology, criminology, anthropology, sociology, biology, and geography, applied to criminal investigation. This effective approach focuses on understanding the personality and criminal behavior of…Origins of criminology
Criminology, as a field of study, has been the subject of debate regarding its origins and development over time. The lack of consensus in scholarly circles about the emergence of criminology according to scientific standards is due to the diversity…
Gottfredson and Hirschi’s self-control theory
Their theory, outlined in "A General Theory of Crime," moves away from conventional explanations of crime based on external control and instead emphasizes individual aspects, particularly self-control. Unlike theories that propose biological or genetic origins of criminal behavior, Gottfredson and…Analysis of crime in Mexico
Mexico plays a crucial role in human trafficking, serving as a critical transit hub connecting Central America and North America. Victims, especially those from Central America, are often subjected to sexual and forced labor, with sex trafficking prevalent near the…Race as a bias in criminal profiling
Currently, two types of criminal profiling are used in policing: inductive and deductive. Inductive profiling relies on information from criminals who have committed similar crimes to determine the likely characteristics of the perpetrator in question. Deductive profiling uses information and…Penology and it’s classifications
Penology, first acknowledged in 1834, stands at the intersection of law, philosophy, and social science as the study of punishments. The concept of punishment itself sparks debate, suggesting not one but a spectrum of penologies, each with its unique definitions…Unveiling the Broken Windows Theory: A Revolutionary Perspective on Urban Crime Prevention
The Broken Windows Theory, a paradigm shift in criminology, suggests that visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior, and civil unrest in densely populated urban areas signal a lax enforcement of local law, thereby encouraging further crimes, even more serious ones.…Revolutionizing Criminology: From Lombroso to the Italian Positive School
The late 19th century marked a significant turning point in the realm of criminological thought, challenging the prevailing notions set forth by the classical school represented by figures like Beccaria. This transformative era, catalyzed by Cesare Lombroso's seminal work, "The…