Infographic showing "The Thermal Law"—on the left, a violent confrontation under a hot sun represents the rise of violent crimes in hot weather; on the right, a masked thief carrying a money bag in a snowy cityscape symbolizes the increase of financial crimes in colder seasons.
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The Thermal Law in Criminology: How Temperature Influences Crime Patterns

1. Introduction: Understanding The Thermal Law in Criminology The study of crime patterns and their causes has long intrigued sociologists, psychologists, and criminologists alike. One fascinating area of research that has gained significant attention is The Thermal Law—a concept that connects climatic temperature variations with fluctuations in criminal behavior. Simply put, The Thermal Law observes…

A hyperrealistic horizontal portrait of Ibn Khaldun, the 14th-century Arab historian and philosopher, depicted with a thoughtful expression, wearing traditional Islamic garb with a beige turban and cloak, against a warm, ornate background.

Ibn Khaldun’s Theory of Heat and Crime: Climate and Human Behavior

Introduction The link between climate and human behavior has intrigued scholars for centuries. One of the earliest thinkers to propose a connection between environmental factors and social dynamics was the 14th-century Arab scholar Ibn Khaldun. In his seminal work Muqaddimah, Ibn Khaldun suggested that heat and climate significantly influence individuals’ temperaments, social organization, and even…

Map showing the relationship between urbanization and crime rates.

The Geographical School in Criminology: How Environment Shapes Crime Rates

Introduction The geographical or topographical school of criminology examines the influence of environmental and geographical factors on crime rates. This school of thought emerged from the idea that physical and social environments significantly shape human behavior, including criminal tendencies. Geographical criminology focuses on how elements such as climate, terrain, urbanization, and population density contribute to…

Example of urban planning to reduce crime

The Geographical Factor in Criminology: Understanding Crime Through Spatial Perspectives

Introduction Criminology, as a multidisciplinary field, seeks to understand the causes, patterns, and prevention of crime. Among the many factors influencing criminal behavior, geography plays a critical role in shaping where, how, and why crimes occur. The geographical factor in criminology explores the spatial distribution of crime, highlighting the interplay between location, environment, and human…