Contents

I Argument

II Introduction

Chapter I : Definition of criminology

1.1 History page 1

1.2 Social-Structural Criminology.page 5
1.3 Social-Process Criminology.page 7

Chapter II : Theories of Crime

2.1 Social-Structure theories..page 8

2.2 Social disorganization neighborhoods ..page 9

2.3 Social ecology ..page 14

2.4 Subcultural theory...page 16

Chapter III : Contemporary cultural and critical criminology

3.1 Individual theories .page 17

3.2 Trait theories ..page 20

3.3 Rational choice theory page 23

3.4 Types and definitions of crime .page 26

 3.5 Causes and correlates of crime ..page 28

Conclusion

Bibliography
 Argument

It is widely known that sooner or later, we all have dreams, wishes and goals that will show
us the path through life.

As far as Im concerned, I have always known how my future would look like. Ever since I
was a child I had a huge passion for criminology, the scientific study of the causation, correction,
and prevention of crime.

Furthermore, the most exciting thing about criminology is that it is an intellectually

stimulating field that allows people with curious minds to thrive. Much of the work of
criminologists involves researching uncertainties. There are few definitive answers on how to
best eliminate crimes committed by certain people and how to remove social injustices from the
process. As a criminologist, you get to come up with your own theories, research them and try to
contribute your input through teaching, publications and through communication with law
enforcement and community groups that try to cut down on criminal activity.

So, in my opinion, the answer to why criminology is such a fascinating world is due to the
fact that it creates an explanation to most unpredictable situations, and solving them involves
permanent alert and continuously growth in knowledge.
 Introduction

Criminology is the fascinating combination of sociology, psychology and criminal justice.

Experts in criminology are faced with the daunting task of deciphering crime statistics, studying
law enforcement, invading the minds of criminals and applying forensic science to criminal
justice. Unlike other aspects of law, criminology allows for speculation and assumptions, which
have led to the understanding of criminal behavior as a whole.

The main purpose of criminology is to get

inside the heads of criminals and to figure out
ways to prevent future crimes. Criminologists
know that criminals are consistently find new
avenues of violence and deceit, and that society
expects progress from law enforcement.
Criminology experts are asked for advice when
it comes to legal prosecution, the formation of laws, the punishment of criminals and the
corrections system. They counsel government and political officials on preventing crime and
setting stiffer penalties for criminals.

There is, however, dissention in the ranks, as all

criminology experts do not think alike. Classical
criminology theorists are more likely to support
mandatory minimums for heinous crime, capital
punishment and longer sentencing. Others, such as
positivist criminology theorists, are more likely to
advocate the strict regulation of law enforcement
officers and to give criminals the benefit of the doubt. There are criminology experts who believe
that the prison system should be geared more heavily toward rehabilitation goals, rather than the
classical theorists who prefer the idea of punishment. The American Society of Criminology
publishes papers and theories on a regular basis. They have experts ranging from addictions
research to wrongful convictions, and work hard to educate both the public and law enforcement
about the nature of criminology.
 Conclusion

Thus concluding, this field of social science does not deal with equipping one another to nail
men, women, children or organizations involved in crime. This thought-provoking, socially
meaningful and fascinating field of study involves a scientific analysis of criminal behavior, of
the criminalization process as well as of the social control processes. This applied discipline
involves in-depth research pertaining to conflict resolution in society. Universities provide
various courses on criminology by which students learn the nature and dynamics of rule breaking
and also become aware of the different theories and methods essential for understanding the
realities of crime and its control better. Let's try to understand what is criminology by having a
closer look at this applied discipline.

Criminology does not fancy waving

off the smoke, but identifying the root
cause of the illegal activity. This study
considers various factors that could have
influenced the person or a group of
people to commit crimes. Factors such as dysfunctional families, sexual abuse, illiteracy,
poverty, etc., can be conducive to emergence of criminals. Thus, criminology is not about
pinning the criminal with his crime and pronouncing him guilty, but is the effort taken to try to
understand the psychology of the person before, during and after he or she committed the crime.

Criminology also focuses on how crime and

lawlessness affects different levels of society. Crime no
matter where, how and when it is committed has
consequences. While some crimes leave scars for life on
the lives of millions, some conduce to temporary
damage. Nevertheless, they all have consequences. Studying and analyzing these consequences
on the victims, neighborhood and even the criminal himself or herself is a part of criminology.
 Bibliography

Books

E. Glueck, Criminal Careers in Retrospect (1943, repr. 1966)

E. Sutherland and D. Cressey, Criminology (8th ed. 1970)

E. Sutherland, White Collar Crime (1983)

L. Ohlin, Human Development and Criminal Behavior (1991).

Stephen W Baron. Criminology May 2004. Vol. 42

Online

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/criminology

http://www.criminology.com/

http://autocww.colorado.edu/~blackmon/E64ContentFiles/LawAndCourts/Criminology.ht
ml