Readings

Review Course Preview and read Course Introduction (located in the left navigation bar)

Review Course Preview and read Course Introduction (located in the left navigation bar)

Schmalleger, F. (2015). Criminology today: An integrative introduction (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Chapter 1, "What Is Criminology?"

Chapter 10, "Crimes Against Persons"

Crime and Criminology: Definitions and Perspectives

There is an important distinction between the definition of crime and the individual definitions of specific criminal acts, just as there is a difference between criminal justice and the field of criminology. Your text presents definitions of crime from a variety of perspectives. The text also explains two broad perspectives on crime that reflects the social policy theme of the book: a social problems perspective and a social responsibility perspective. The definitions and perspectives that resonate for you may tell you something about yourself and your personal beliefs about crime. Additionally, your beliefs of crime may be influential on how you apply these beliefs and definitions to the real world.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review Chapter 1 in your text, Criminology Today, paying particular attention to the variety of definitions of crime and perspectives on criminology as well as the two social perspectives on crime (problems and responsibility).

Reflect on the definitions of crime. Select one that most appeals to you and consider why.

Think about the perspectives on criminology. Select one that most appeals to you and consider why.

Review the social problems and social responsibility perspectives on crime and criminology and think about which one you believe best explains the cause of crime.

Reflect on what difference it makes which definition of crime or perspective on criminology that you, a policymaker, or an institution adopts and operates from.

Think about what difference it makes which social perspective (social problems or social responsibility) that you, a policymaker, or an institution believes is true and operates from.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 the definitions of crime and criminology that most appeal to you and explain why. Then justify which social perspective best accounts for the cause of crime and how operating from this perspective can impact the field of criminology. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your points.

Please give specific response with specific references to Learning Resources.