Theory portfolio
Develop a "theory portfolio." You portfolio should consist of 10 theoretical perspectives and each entry should consist of 1-2 pages that includes the following aspects:
Provide an overall summary of the theory
Summarize the most important theoretical predictions and assumptions proposed by each theory
Note the key strengths and weaknesses of the theoretical model
In addition to using the main theorists listed below, add one more author, of your choosing from your reading list, that furthers the original theory and provide a short summary of their contribution to the theory
Your theory portfolio should follow this format:
Deterrence - Beccaria, 1764
Biological theories - Lombroso, 1876
Psychological theories - Goddard, 1914
Social Disorganization - Durkheim, 1893; Shaw & McKay, 1942
Anomie - Merton, 1938, 1968
Strain - Agnew, 1985, 1992, 2001
Subcultural - (you can pick two from this list) Miller, 1958; Cloward & Ohlin, 1960; Wolfgang & Ferracuti, 1967; Anderson, 1999
Social control - Hirschi, 1969
Social Bond - Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990
Differential association - Sutherland, 1934-1947
Learning theory - Bandura, 1973
As you can see from the list above, there are only two theories where both of your options are chosen for you (i.e., Social Disorganization; Social Control and Social Bond), for each of the other theories, you may choose your own second author to use. Additionally, the reason you may find more than one year listed for some authors is to draw your attention to how they have advanced the original theory.
Theory Portfolio
Deterrence - Beccaria, 1764
Overview:
Beccaria's theory of deterrence suggests that individuals weigh the potential benefits and costs of committing a crime before engaging in criminal behavior. The theory posits that the certainty, severity, and swiftness of punishment play a crucial role in deterring individuals from committing crimes.
Theoretical Predictions and Assumptions:
The theory predicts that increasing the certainty and severity of punishment will deter individuals from engaging in criminal activities. It assumes that individuals are rational actors who make decisions based on maximizing their self-interests.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths include the emphasis on the role of punishment in deterring crime and the focus on rational decision-making. However, weaknesses include the oversimplification of human behavior and the assumption that all individuals weigh the costs and benefits of crime in the same way.
Additional Author Contribution - Bentham, 1789:
Jeremy Bentham furthered Beccaria's theory by introducing the concept of utilitarianism, which emphasizes the importance of maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain in decision-making processes. Bentham's contribution enhanced the understanding of how individuals perceive punishment in relation to criminal behavior.
Biological Theories - Lombroso, 1876
Overview:
Lombroso's biological theory suggests that criminal behavior is determined by biological factors, such as physical characteristics and genetic predispositions. He believed that criminals could be identified through specific physical traits.
Theoretical Predictions and Assumptions:
The theory predicts that individuals with certain biological traits are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. It assumes that criminality has a biological basis that can be observed through physical features.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths include the consideration of biological influences on behavior and the potential for early identification of at-risk individuals. Weaknesses include the oversimplification of complex human behavior and the risk of stigmatizing individuals based on physical characteristics.
Additional Author Contribution - Goring, 1913:
Goring expanded on Lombroso's theory by conducting a comparative study to examine the relationship between physical characteristics and criminal behavior. His work provided further insights into the complex interplay between biology and criminality.
Continue this format for each theory in your portfolio.