“For articles on other topics from this author Good article!”
While criminology is the scientific study of the interactions that inherently occur between criminals and the general public or the criminal elements and society, critical criminology is slightly different. This concept of criminology has a strong foundation in the perception that a singular crime is considered to be criminal because of the historic and social beliefs at the time. For instance, one famous illustration of that is that homosexuality was thought-about to be illegal for individuals in the United Kingdom. This type of interaction between individuals was declared legal for men over 21, however, this was not until 1967. Since there is nothing within the act that changed over the years, just one thing that changed was the judicial government at the time and what they believed was morally right or wrong. Overall, there is nothing deemed inherently wrong in regards to the act itself. One of the major questions that individuals interested in critical criminology have to ask themselves whether or not an act is a crime because it is wrong or whether it is merely a crime because someone with the elected power decided to make it so.
Within critical criminology, there are a variety of theories which were formed. Conflict theories were never very popular throughout the United States, partially due to the truth that during the late 1970’s, when critical criminology was more popular, there have been many criminology departments that were closed due to political reasons. Other critical criminologists have been concerned that conflict theories did not correctly address the different points that faced society. Critics of conflict theories that exist in criminology maintain that these individuals ignored some vital differences in the level of criminal activities between socialist and capitalist societies. Japan and Switzerland are 2 nations which are socialist in nature, however, they have extremely low rates of crime in their countries, as compared to capitalist societies like the United States of America.
In feminist theories, individuals attempt to give another dimension to criminology, in the form of gender. The supporters of those theories are for the most part trying to bring a brand new form of consciousness to the way crime is viewed. Instead of focusing on criminals who are male performing crimes against other males, it is argued that criminologists need to investigate more how the female affects this preconceived approach to crime. Many parties concerned with this type of crucial approach to criminology also attempt to educate other female criminologists. This is important to this group of individuals because too many times, female criminologists will adopt the male perspective and perpetuate the same cycle of applying male concepts on females in the world of crime.
While there are other theories that are relevant in the field of criminology, such as postmodern and peacemaking theories, the conflict and feminist theories are essentially the most prevalent ones within the world of criminology at large. By looking at the method that different theories can be applied to criminology and the different areas that fall under the term, individuals are able to learn more about the society in which they live. Another point that can be explored could be how the criminal relates to the society in which the crime is committed.
“For articles on other topics from this author click me now – Great resource”