The roots of rational choice theory are contained in the classical school of criminology. According to classical theory, the purpose of the law is to produce and support the total happiness of the community it serves. Punishment is designed to prevent crime and if punishment cannot prevent crime then punishment is to convince the offender to commit a less serious offense.
According to rational choice theory, crime is an event and criminality is a personal trait. Several personal factors condition people to choose crime. Among these are economic opportunity, learning and experience, and knowledge of criminal techniques. Rational choice theorists propose that offenders choose the type of crime to commit, choose the time and place of the crime, and choose the target of crime.
The foundations of trait theory are found in Cesare Lombroso’s work and biological theory. Many criminologists reacted harshly to the crime-biology link; this reaction was called biophobia. Sociobiology developed later stressing that biological and genetic conditioning influence how social behaviors are learned and perceived. Sociobiologists argued that the gene is the ultimate unit of life that controls human destiny. Under this argument, since biology controls human behavior, it is responsible for a person’s choice to violate the law.
Modern trait theories are not overly concerned with the legal definitions of crime. Trait theorists focus on human behavior and drives and argue that traits do not produce criminality. Rather, crime involves both personal traits and environmental factors. Chronic offenders suffer some biological/psychological condition or trait that renders them incapable of resisting social pressures and problems.
Assignment
Quiz 4 and 5
Session Minutes
180
Minutes Student Attended
180
Lesson Comments
The roots of rational choice theory are contained in the classical school of criminology. According to classical theory, the purpose of the law is to produce and support the total happiness of the community it serves. Punishment is designed to prevent crime and if punishment cannot prevent crime then punishment is to convince the offender to commit a less serious offense.
According to rational choice theory, crime is an event and criminality is a personal trait. Several personal factors condition people to choose crime. Among these are economic opportunity, learning and experience, and knowledge of criminal techniques. Rational choice theorists propose that offenders choose the type of crime to commit, choose the time and place of the crime, and choose the target of crime.
The foundations of trait theory are found in Cesare Lombroso’s work and biological theory. Many criminologists reacted harshly to the crime-biology link; this reaction was called biophobia. Sociobiology developed later stressing that biological and genetic conditioning influence how social behaviors are learned and perceived. Sociobiologists argued that the gene is the ultimate unit of life that controls human destiny. Under this argument, since biology controls human behavior, it is responsible for a person’s choice to violate the law.
Modern trait theories are not overly concerned with the legal definitions of crime. Trait theorists focus on human behavior and drives and argue that traits do not produce criminality. Rather, crime involves both personal traits and environmental factors. Chronic offenders suffer some biological/psychological condition or trait that renders them incapable of resisting social pressures and problems.
Armed with the significant changes made during and after WWII, civil rights activity culminated during the period from 1955 to 1965.
The period between 1965 and 1980 saw black Americans shift the civil rights movement in goals and tactics and recognize some significant gains. As with other periods, these gains were tempered by white backlash and retreat. Even after his death, Malcolm X proved a great influence on the emerging "black power" movement of the late 1960s. The civil rights movement in the 1970s moved away from direct action tactics and more toward the electoral process as a way of change. The closing of the twentieth century saw remarkable progress for African Americans even as part of the community remained mire in poverty and suffering.
Assignment
Exam 2 and Journal
Session Minutes
180
Minutes Student Attended
180
Lesson Comments
Armed with the significant changes made during and after WWII, civil rights activity culminated during the period from 1955 to 1965.
The period between 1965 and 1980 saw black Americans shift the civil rights movement in goals and tactics and recognize some significant gains. As with other periods, these gains were tempered by white backlash and retreat. Even after his death, Malcolm X proved a great influence on the emerging "black power" movement of the late 1960s. The civil rights movement in the 1970s moved away from direct action tactics and more toward the electoral process as a way of change. The closing of the twentieth century saw remarkable progress for African Americans even as part of the community remained mire in poverty and suffering.
Armed with the significant changes made during and after WWII, civil rights activity culminated during the period from 1955 to 1965.
The period between 1965 and 1980 saw black Americans shift the civil rights movement in goals and tactics and recognize some significant gains. As with other periods, these gains were tempered by white backlash and retreat. Even after his death, Malcolm X proved a great influence on the emerging "black power" movement of the late 1960s. The civil rights movement in the 1970s moved away from direct action tactics and more toward the electoral process as a way of change. The closing of the twentieth century saw remarkable progress for African Americans even as part of the community remained mire in poverty and suffering.
