Criminology Summative Exam 2025-2026
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ramilacoba998Criminology Summative Exam 2025-2026
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Powered by AIThe Differential Association Theory, proposed by Edwin Sutherland, explains that criminal behavior is learned through social interaction with others who commit crimes . It suggests that crime is not inherent or a result of individual pathology, but rather a learned behavior from the surrounding environment and the relationships that the individual develops. This emphasizes the role of social influences and interactions in the development of criminal behavior.
Sociology is considered the 'mother discipline' of criminology because it provides the foundational theories and methodologies to study crime as a social phenomenon . This relationship implies that criminological research heavily relies on sociological concepts such as social structure, deviance, and group behavior to understand criminal behavior and the social environment in which it occurs. This interdisciplinary approach enriches criminological studies and enhances the robustness of its analyses.
RA 11131, known as the Philippine Criminology Profession Act of 2018, aims to professionalize the practice of criminology in the Philippines by strengthening the regulatory framework for criminologists . It has influenced the practice by setting standards for criminologist licensing, mandating continuing professional education, and enhancing the credibility and accountability of practitioners in adherence to legal and professional norms.
White-collar crime, defined as crime committed by individuals in high-status positions within their occupation, challenges traditional perceptions as it blurs the lines between respectable behavior and criminality . These crimes often involve complex financial activities and are less visible than street crimes, making prosecution within the justice system more difficult. It raises issues regarding legal accountability and the adequacy of legal frameworks to address corporate and occupational crimes, thus questioning the equity and effectiveness of the justice system.
The Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016 (RA 10912) mandates ongoing education for professionals, including criminologists, to ensure they remain competent in their fields by keeping updated with current advancements and knowledge . This Act plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing professional standards, ensuring that criminologists in the Philippines are equipped to handle contemporary challenges in crime and evolving legal standards effectively.
Edwin Sutherland defined criminology as "the entire body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon" . This definition is significant as it frames criminology as a comprehensive, interdisciplinary field that encompasses societal influences on crime, rather than limiting it to biological or legal perspectives. This broad view encourages the analysis of crime through various lenses such as sociology, law, and psychology.
Penology focuses on the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders, analyzing corrections systems and their effectiveness. Victimology, on the other hand, studies victims of crime and the impact of crimes on them . These distinctions are important for criminal justice policies because they ensure a holistic approach: penology informs methods of deterring and correcting criminal behavior, while victimology improves victim support systems and prevention strategies, enhancing community safety and justice.
The concept of 'penal couple' highlights the dynamic relationship between the victim and the offender, acknowledging the interconnectedness of their roles within the crime context . 'Victimal', coined by Mendelsohn, refers to the victim counterpart to the offender, emphasizing the active role victims can have in influencing crime events. These concepts enhance criminological understanding by recognizing the complexities and nuances in the interactions and mutual influences between victims and offenders, which can inform more balanced and effective justice policies.
Criminology is considered an applied science because it applies theories and concepts from various disciplines to understand and control crime . It is dynamic, constantly evolving with new theoretical advancements and social changes. While it uses legal principles, it is not purely legal because it incorporates social and behavioral sciences. Additionally, it is not nationalistic as criminology studies crime in a global context and uses international insights and methods .
Henry Mayhew's contributions to criminal demography, which studies the relationship between population dynamics and crime, help in understanding how changes in population size, density, and composition influence crime trends . His work implies that demographic factors must be considered when analyzing crime patterns and developing effective crime prevention strategies. This approach helps policymakers anticipate changes in crime rates based on population projections and demographic shifts.