Criminal Activity in Criminology

Q dimly lit detective’s desk with evidence photos, crime scene markers, and a forensic report, symbolizing criminology and criminal activity.

Criminal activity has long been a subject of study in criminology, a discipline dedicated to understanding crime, its causes, and its impact on society. From ancient times to modern-day criminology, scholars have attempted to analyze criminal behavior through various perspectives, including psychological, sociological, and biological dimensions. This article explores criminal activity within criminology, incorporating insights … Read more

Criminality as a Collective Issue

A conceptual illustration of criminality as a collective issue, showing a cityscape with interconnected figures symbolizing societal links to crime.

Criminality has long been perceived as an individual failure, a consequence of personal moral corruption, psychological disorders, or defective upbringing. However, modern criminology increasingly views crime as a collective issue, deeply embedded in societal structures and systemic inequalities. This article explores criminality as a social phenomenon, influenced by economic disparity, cultural dynamics, and institutional shortcomings, … Read more

The Formative School: The Classical Formative School and the Modern Formative School

Cesare Lombroso presenting his theory of born criminals

The Formative School represents a pivotal paradigm in criminology, emphasizing the exploration of criminal behavior through biological, psychological, and sociological lenses. Emerging as a response to classical theories, this school of thought bridges scientific rigor with practical applications. By examining the origins and evolution of criminal tendencies, the Formative School has significantly contributed to understanding, … Read more

Modern Formation School in Criminology

Modern Formation School in Criminology A Comprehensive Overview

The Modern Formation School in criminology represents a significant evolution in the study of criminal behavior. By emphasizing the interplay of biological, psychological, and sociological factors, this school of thought seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of crime and its underlying causes. Within this framework, two prominent theories stand out: the Criminal Formation Theory by … Read more

Lombroso’s Theory and Its Evaluation: A Historical Insight into the Classical Formation School of Criminology

Lombroso's Theory and Its Evaluation: A Historical Insight into the Classical Formation School of Criminology

Introduction The Classical Formation School of criminology marks a significant turning point in understanding crime and criminal behavior. Among its most influential contributors was Cesare Lombroso, an Italian physician and criminologist whose theories profoundly shaped the early development of the field. Lombroso introduced the idea that criminality was biologically determined, challenging the classical view that … Read more

The Positivist School and the Anthropological Interpretatio

A historical depiction of Cesare Lombroso studying a skull in a 19th-century laboratory, surrounded by books, anatomical models, and criminal sketches, symbolizing the Positivist School's scientific and anthropological approach to criminology.

Introduction The emergence of the Positivist School marked a revolutionary phase in criminology, steering the discipline towards a more scientific approach to understanding criminal behavior. By focusing on empirical evidence, the Positivist School challenged earlier philosophical and moralistic interpretations of crime, offering a framework rooted in observable and measurable phenomena. Central to this movement was … Read more

The Influence of Civil Status on Criminal Behavior

Influence of marital status on criminal behavior

Criminal behavior is a complex phenomenon influenced by a variety of social, psychological, and environmental factors. Among these, civil status—whether an individual is single, married, divorced, or widowed—plays a significant role. Understanding how civil status affects criminal tendencies can provide insights into social structures and guide policymakers in developing targeted prevention strategies. This article explores … Read more

The Role of Age in Criminal Behavior

What is the age-crime curve?

The study of criminal behavior is a multidisciplinary endeavor, encompassing sociology, psychology, and criminology. Among the many factors that influence criminal activity, age emerges as a crucial determinant. Research consistently shows that criminal behavior varies significantly across different age groups, with distinct patterns, motivations, and societal impacts. Understanding the role of age in criminal behavior … Read more

Parent-Child Behavioral Similarities in Crime | Criminology

The Foundations of Parent-Child Behavioral Similarities

Understanding the transmission of criminal behavior within families has long been a focus of criminology and psychology. Parent-child behavioral similarities in crime highlight the complex interplay of genetics, upbringing, and environmental factors. Why do certain traits or behaviors appear to pass from one generation to the next? This article explores the factors contributing to such … Read more

Twin Studies: Nature vs. Nurture in Crime

An illustration depicting nature vs. nurture in crime through twin studies, showing the interplay between genetic and environmental factors.

The debate between nature and nurture has long fascinated scientists, especially in understanding human behavior and criminal tendencies. Twin studies offer a unique lens to explore this dynamic by examining the genetic and environmental factors influencing crime. Identical twins (monozygotic) share 100% of their DNA, while fraternal twins (dizygotic) share about 50%. Comparing these groups … Read more