Sociology & Criminology for a Changing World
Classical and Rational Choice Theories Classical and rational choice theories explain crime as the result of purposeful decision-making by individuals who weigh opportunities, risks, rewards, and situational conditions. These approaches assume that people are capable of choosing between lawful and unlawful behavior and that criminal acts emerge within concrete social situations rather than from deterministic
Ferdinand Tönnies’ work „Community and Society“ (1887) is considered one of the earliest and most important key texts in sociology. In this work, Tönnies introduces the fundamental distinction between two forms of social life: the traditionally rooted, emotionally bound community and the rationally calculated, purpose-driven society. This differentiation continues to influence sociological analyses of social
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
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: