Subcultural theory as it relates to delinquency and crime

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Classical school of criminology

The classical school of criminology emerged during the Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and philosophical change in Europe. Classical theorists such as Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham believed that crime was a rational choice made by individuals who weighed the costs and benefits of committing a crime. They argued that the best way to deter crime was to create a system of criminal justice that was swift, severe, and certain.

Classical theorists also believed that individuals were free to choose their own actions, and that they should be held responsible for their choices. They argued that the purpose of punishment was to deter crime and to rehabilitate offenders.

Positivist school of criminology

The positivist school of criminology emerged in the late 19th century. Positivist theorists, such as Cesare Lombroso and Enrico Ferri, believed that crime was caused by biological, psychological, and social factors that were beyond an individual's control. They argued that the best way to reduce crime was to identify and address the root causes of criminal behavior.

Positivist theorists also believed that individuals were not free to choose their own actions. They argued that criminals were born with certain physical characteristics or mental defects that made them more likely to commit crime. They also argued that criminals were influenced by their social environment, such as poverty and crime-ridden neighborhoods.

Similarities and differences between the classical and positivist schools of criminology

Despite their differences, the classical and positivist schools of criminology share some similarities. Both schools believed that the purpose of criminal justice was to deter crime and to protect society. Both schools also believed that individuals should be held responsible for their actions.

However, the two schools differed in their views on the causes of crime and the best way to reduce crime. The classical school believed that crime was a rational choice made by individuals, and that the best way to deter crime was to create a system of criminal justice that was swift, severe, and certain. The positivist school, on the other hand, believed that crime was caused by biological, psychological, and social factors that were beyond an individual's control, and that the best way to reduce crime was to identify and address the root causes of criminal behavior.

Legacy of the classical and positivist schools of criminology

The classical and positivist schools of criminology have had a significant impact on the development of criminology as a discipline. The classical school's emphasis on deterrence and rehabilitation continues to be influential in the criminal justice system today. The positivist school's focus on the causes of crime has led to the development of a wide range of criminological theories, such as social learning theory and strain theory.

Conclusion

The classical and positivist schools of criminology are two foundational schools of thought in criminology. The classical school's emphasis on deterrence and rehabilitation, and the positivist school's focus on the causes of crime, continue to influence criminological theory and practice today.