Discussion #1

Crime and Criminology Theorizing Today.html

Crime and Criminology Theorizing Today

"Crime does not exist. Only acts exist, acts often given different meanings within various social frameworks. Acts and the meanings give to them are our data. Our challenge is to follow the destiny of acts through the universe of meanings. Particularly, what are the social conditions that encourage or prevent giving the acts the meaning of being a crime?" – N. Christie

 

Perspective and theory will guide the decisions made regarding not only crime but also criminology. Additionally, given the different definitions of and theories regarding criminology, the changes throughout not only the United States but worldwide (i.e., globalization), aid in the understanding as to how criminology has become multidisciplinary rather than being dominated by one area of crime or discipline. Consequently, criminologists frequently disagree with each other as to what motivates criminals. This is not surprising because scholars often disagree and have academic debates; however, through academic debate and scholarly research, more knowledge is acquired.

 

In these debates, we find answers through scholarly study and research for solutions to help law enforcement personnel protect society by seeking answers as to why individuals commit a crime or want to harm others. However, the theoretical foundation of criminology tends to revolve around positivism with a bit of classicalism included. Regardless of the theoretical basis, it is important to note that those who study crime, the criminologists, collect data seeking a better understanding of the characteristics of specific crimes and those that commit them. This search of understanding often leads to theories being formed, which are then further studied to accept or reject various hypotheses being proposed as to why people commit a crime. The bottom line to all this study, research, and review is the more knowledge gained, the better. Ultimately, this helps law enforcement agencies in their approaches to crime as they try to prevent and control it.