Sociology & Criminology for a Changing World
The Broken Windows Theory was developed by James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling. According to the authors, even minor signs of neglect, like a broken window, should be repaired quickly to prevent further decay, maintain order, and reduce crime. Destruction in urban areas is therefore inextricably linked to crime and causes it. A seemingly
„Code of the Street: Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City“ is a book by sociologist Elijah Anderson that examines the dynamics of inner-city life in poor African American neighborhoods. Anderson conducted extensive field research in Philadelphia, focusing on the Code of the Street as a set of norms that exists among
Turning Point Theory, also known as the Age-Graded Life-Course Theory of Crime, was developed by Robert J. Sampson and John H. Laub. This influential approach in developmental criminology argues that criminal behaviour is not static over the life course. Instead, it can change in response to key life events or turning points that strengthen or
Crime, Shame and Reintegration (1989) by John Braithwaite is a foundational text in criminology that builds on labelling theory, control theories, and social disorganization theory. Braithwaite’s concept of shaming analyzes the social processes that invoke shame as a form of social control. He distinguishes between two types: disintegrative shaming, which stigmatizes and excludes offenders, and
Lawrence W. Sherman’s Defiance Theory seeks to explain why punishment does not always deter crime. Instead of assuming uniform effects, Sherman argues that sanctions can produce three distinct reactions: Deterrence: Punishment successfully discourages further crime. Irrelevance: Punishment has no effect on future offending. Defiance: Punishment actually intensifies deviant behaviour. Key Points Defiance Theory Main Proponent:
Routine Activity Theory explains crime as a situational event that emerges when three elements converge in time and space: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. Key Points Routine Activity Approach (RAT) Main Proponents: Lawrence E. Cohen, Marcus Felson, Ronald V. Clarke First Published: 1979 (Cohen & Felson) Country