Criminology schools | Psychoanalytic, formative, and social school

Introduction

Criminology is a vital tool for understanding and interpreting criminal behavior through scientific methods. One of the most effective approaches in this field is its classification into various schools of thought, each offering unique perspectives on crime. These schools provide analyses ranging from biological factors focusing on genetics and physical traits to psychological theories that delve into an individual’s internal conflicts, and finally to social explanations emphasizing the role of environment and community.

This article sheds light on three major schools of criminology: the Biological School, the Psychoanalytic School, and the Social School. By exploring their core ideas, contributions, and criticisms, this analysis offers a deeper understanding of how these theories have evolved and what they bring to contemporary criminological studies.

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Section One: The Biological School

Origins and Definition

The Biological School emerged in the 19th century, pioneered by Italian scientist CESAR LOMBROSO, regarded as the father of modern criminology. LOMBROSO believed that crime was not a matter of free choice but was instead influenced by biological and genetic factors predisposing some individuals to criminal behavior. His theories were based on field studies conducted on prisoners, where he observed distinct physical traits among criminals, such as cranial shapes and facial features.

Key Ideas

• The Born Criminal: LOMBROSO posited that some individuals are biologically predisposed to criminality, making them inherently different from non-criminals.
• Physical Traits: He associated features like prominent jaws, thick eyebrows, or large ears with a propensity for crime.
• Genetic Factors: Later studies expanded on his ideas, investigating the role of heredity in influencing criminal behavior.

Applications and Criticisms

• Applications:
  • The school contributed to advancements in forensic medicine and post-mortem analyses to determine causes of crime.
  • It provided insights into individual-focused approaches to dealing with offenders.
• Criticisms:
  • Lombroso’s theory faced criticism for its lack of scientific rigor.
  • It was considered biased, as it linked physical traits to criminality, raising concerns about racial prejudice.

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Section Two: The Psychoanalytic School

Origins and Definition

The Psychoanalytic School was founded by Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, who suggested that criminal behavior could be understood by analyzing an individual’s internal psychological conflicts. Freud emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences in shaping a person’s character, including their inclination toward crime.

Key Ideas

• Internal Conflicts: Crime results from a struggle between the id (basic instincts), the superego (moral conscience), and the ego (rational self).
• Childhood Experiences: Traumatic events or negative experiences during childhood can lead to deviant behavior.
• Defense Mechanisms: Individuals may use mechanisms like denial or projection to justify criminal actions.

Applications and Criticisms

• Applications:
  • Development of psychotherapy techniques tailored for offenders.
  • Better understanding of criminal motives from emotional and psychological perspectives.
• Criticisms:
  • Freud’s theories are often difficult to verify scientifically.
  • The school overlooks social and biological factors in explaining crime.

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Section Three: The Social School

Origins and Definition

The Social School emerged alongside the development of sociology, with significant contributions from thinkers like Emile Durkheim, who viewed crime as a social phenomenon stemming from economic, social, and cultural factors.

Key Ideas

• Social Disintegration: Crime arises from societal imbalances, such as unemployment or poverty.
• Structural Strain: Scholars like Robert Merton argued that crime occurs when individuals are unable to achieve legitimate goals through lawful means.
• Environmental Influence: The school examines how factors like living in impoverished neighborhoods or crowded urban areas increase crime rates.

Applications and Criticisms

• Applications:
  • Designing crime policies focused on improving social conditions.
  • Implementing rehabilitation programs emphasizing education and employment.
• Criticisms:
  • The school neglects individual and biological factors.
  • Its ideas are sometimes generalized without considering cultural differences.

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Conclusion

The schools of criminology offer diverse and complementary insights into understanding crime. The Biological School emphasizes genetic and physical traits, the Psychoanalytic School highlights psychological factors, and the Social School focuses on societal and environmental influences.

A comprehensive understanding of crime requires integrating these perspectives to develop more effective crime prevention and rehabilitation strategies. The challenge for researchers lies in combining these theories to achieve a holistic and accurate view of criminal behavior.