Seeking the Ramifications in Cognitive Theory

¶ … Criminology

Application of Schools of Criminal Thought

Within the classical school of thought (rational choice framework from economics), the charges against the perpetrator would be considered both logical and effective. Under classical thought, criminology holds that punishment is an effective deterrent to crime, and that punishment should be rationally aligned with the severity of the crime. The positivist school of thought (functionalist or biological, psychological, and sociological framework) would consider the crime and the punishment against a background of social and genetic influence. Within positivist criminology, the offender is viewed as having a flawed personality and character, brought about by significant deprivations during impressionable years, and that may at least be ameliorated through integrated therapies and treatment. The neo-classical school of thought (empiricism framework) considers crime -- and makes and implements policy -- through a rationalist, scientific, and evidence-based lens.

Theoretical Criminology Frameworks

Social bonding theory. Social bonding theory stems from observations of individuals who did not experience adequate parenting as children. Inadequate protective nurturing left some soldiers deprived of critical information about the social transactions in which they are expected to engage. Using this frame to consider the vignette would entail consideration of psychological development and associated therapies as a means for changing the self-imaging that leads to the commission of crimes as social normal engagement.

Learning theory. Social learning theory is built on the assumption that criminal behavior, as with many other types of behavior, is learned within a social context and is facilitated through modeling and observational learning.

Labeling theory. Labeling theory has sociological origins and is perhaps best known in society by its use of a deviancy framework. The greater the deviancy from social norms and psychological contracts, the more definitive and descriptive the label, which has direct implications for self-identity and iterative socially-constructed identities associated with the accrual of social benefits and the imposition of social constraints.

Rational choice theory. The rational choice theory is based on the belief that an offender will pursue goals and take actions that generally lead to the satisfaction of basic needs, and that the trade-offs among these variables are weighed and measured according to rational choice. The rational choice best fits the case as the reader is given very little information about the psychological adaptation and social position of the offender. The responses of the offender to the two basic questions asked in the case indicate that the offender made rational decisions about the trade-offs that were inherent in her choices.

Integrative Theoretical Approach

The behavior of the perpetrator, within an integrative theoretical approach, is best viewed in terms of many dovetailing lenses rather then through a single conceptual view that will be inadequate on its own. The basic assumption in integrative theory of criminology is that an individual can be both the cause and the consequence of society. From this integrative theory of criminal behavior, it becomes apparent that the social construction of deviancy is a vital factor in understanding criminal behavior -- a view that harkens to theories related to social violence theory.