The Psychoanalytic School of criminology offers a profound exploration of criminal behavior through the principles of psychoanalysis. This school, inspired by the theories of Sigmund Freud and expanded upon by subsequent psychologists, examines the unconscious mind’s role in shaping human actions, including criminality. By focusing on internal conflicts, early childhood experiences, and psychological development, the…
The Formative School represents a pivotal framework in the history of criminology, offering foundational insights into understanding criminal behavior. Emerging during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this school emphasized the role of biological, psychological, and sociological factors in shaping criminal tendencies. Unlike classical theories that focused on free will and rational choice, the…
Criminology, as a multidisciplinary field, has evolved through various theoretical schools that attempt to explain the causes and nature of criminal behavior. Among the most significant are the Formative School, the Psychoanalytic School, and the Social School. Each of these schools has contributed uniquely to understanding crime, its motivations, and possible prevention methods. This article…
Introduction Robert K. Merton stands as one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century. His theories and concepts, particularly in the realm of criminology, have shaped the way scholars and practitioners understand the roots of deviant behavior. Known primarily for his Strain Theory, Merton offered a framework for analyzing how societal structures contribute…
Cesare Beccaria (1738–1794) is widely recognized as one of the founding figures of classical criminology. His groundbreaking work, Dei delitti e delle pene (On Crimes and Punishments), published in 1764, profoundly influenced the development of modern legal systems and criminological thought. By advocating for rationality, proportionality, and fairness in the administration of justice, Beccaria sought…
Cesare Lombroso, often hailed as the “Father of Modern Criminology,” revolutionized the study of crime by introducing a scientific approach to understanding criminal behavior. Prior to Lombroso, criminology was largely influenced by moralistic and philosophical perspectives, with little emphasis on empirical evidence. Lombroso’s groundbreaking theories, particularly his concept of the “born criminal,” laid the foundation…
Criminology, as a field of study, has undergone significant evolution since its inception. Among the pioneering figures who shaped this discipline, Raffaele Garofalo stands out as a central contributor to the Positivist School of Criminology. His innovative concepts, particularly the notion of “natural crime,” have had a lasting impact on the way crime and criminal…
Introduction Criminology, as a scientific discipline, has undergone significant evolution since its inception. The 19th century witnessed a paradigm shift from philosophical and theological explanations of crime to empirical and scientific approaches. At the forefront of this transformation were three Italian scholars: Cesare Lombroso, Enrico Ferri, and Raffaele Garofalo. Together, they laid the foundations of…
The study of crime and criminal behavior has long intrigued philosophers, theologians, and early scientists. Before the emergence of the positivist school in the 19th century, interpretations of criminal behavior were shaped by religious doctrines, philosophical inquiries, and nascent scientific approaches. These interpretations laid the groundwork for the evolution of criminology as a distinct field….
The study of criminology has evolved over centuries, mirroring the broader progress of human thought and scientific discovery. At its core, criminology seeks to understand the causes, consequences, and prevention of criminal behavior—an endeavor that has been shaped by diverse philosophical, religious, and scientific perspectives. As societies grappled with the challenges of crime and deviance,…