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How do you write an essay on critical analysis?

Criticisms of Existing Systems

Classical criminology leveled several criticisms against the existing criminal justice systems:

• Arbitrariness and Inconsistency: Punishments were often determined by the whim of judges or the severity of the crime, rather than by a consistent set of laws and principles.
• Cruel and Unusual Punishments: Many punishments were unnecessarily harsh and often involved torture and public executions.
• Ineffectiveness: Harsh punishments did not deter crime and often led to increased recidivism.

Neoclassical Criminology: A Modification of Classical Ideas

Neoclassical criminology emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a modification of classical ideas. It acknowledged that while individuals are rational actors who make choices based on costs and benefits, other factors, such as psychological and social conditions, may also influence criminal behavior.

Factors Leading to Neoclassical Criminology:

• Advances in Psychology and Sociology: The development of psychology and sociology provided new insights into human behavior and the causes of crime.
• Recognition of Individual Differences: Neoclassical criminologists recognized that individuals have different levels of rationality and may be more or less susceptible to criminal temptations.
• Changing Social Conditions: The Industrial Revolution and urbanization led to increased social problems and crime, which required new approaches to criminal justice.

Marginal Deterrence: A Refinement of the Classical View

The concept of marginal deterrence suggests that the deterrent effect of punishment diminishes as the severity of the punishment increases. In other words, while increasing the severity of punishment may deter some individuals from committing crimes, it may have little or no effect on others. This refines the classical view of deterrence by recognizing that punishment is not always effective in preventing crime.

Nature vs. Nurture: A Debate in Criminology

The “nature vs. nurture” debate in criminology explores the extent to which criminal behavior is determined by biological factors (nature) or environmental factors (nurture).

• Biological Theories: These theories emphasize the role of genetic factors, brain abnormalities, and hormonal imbalances in criminal behavior.
• Biosocial Theories: These theories combine biological and environmental factors to explain crime. For example, a genetic predisposition to aggression may be more likely to manifest in a hostile environment.
• Psychological Theories: These theories focus on psychological factors, such as personality traits, cognitive distortions, and mental disorders, as predictors of criminal behavior.

Life-Course Theories: Integrating Structural and Social Process Elements

Life-course theories integrate both structural and social process elements to explain criminal behavior. They examine how individuals’ experiences throughout their lives, including family, school, and peer relationships, can influence their criminal trajectories.

• Structural Theories: These theories emphasize the role of social structures, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities, in causing crime.
• Social Process Theories: These theories focus on the interactions between individuals and their social environment, such as family, peers, and schools, in shaping criminal behavior.

Criticisms of Structural Theories

Structural theories have been criticized for overemphasizing the role of social structures and neglecting individual agency. Additionally, they may not adequately explain why some individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds do not become criminals.

Addressing Limitations of Structural Theories

Social process theories address the limitations of structural theories by focusing on the individual-level factors that mediate the relationship between social structures and criminal behavior. They examine how individuals’ experiences and choices can influence their involvement in crime.