Sociology & Criminology for a Changing World
Sanctions are central to criminology as they represent society’s formal response to crime and deviance. They include a broad range of measures, from fines and community service to imprisonment and the death penalty. Sanctions not only aim to prevent and punish offending but also reflect deeper questions of justice, legitimacy, and social control. This article
Crime is a highly emotional topic. Media reports, political debates, and everyday conversations create images of crime that are often distorted or exaggerated. Criminology, however, shows that many of these perceptions are myths. The following section presents twelve widespread myths about crime and critically discusses them.
Deterrence theories conceptualize crime as the result of rational decision-making, where the anticipated costs of punishment are weighed against the potential benefits of offending. Punishment is understood not merely as retribution but as a calculated instrument to prevent crime by shaping individual choice. Key Points Deterrence theories Main Proponents: Cesare Beccaria, Jeremy Bentham, Franz von
Rational Choice Theories interpret crime as the outcome of calculated, rational decisions in which offenders weigh expected benefits against anticipated costs. This approach assumes that individuals act with purpose, evaluating opportunities to maximize personal utility. Key Points Rational Choice Theory Main Proponents: Gary S. Becker, Derek Cornish, Ronald Clarke First Formulations: 1960s–1980s Country of Origin: