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Criminology Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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criminology

[krɪmɪˈnɒlədʒi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social science

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the functions of the criminal justice system. It encompasses various disciplines, including sociology, psychology, law, and anthropology, to understand the causes of crime and the workings of the justice system. Criminologists seek to uncover patterns of criminal behavior, the impact of social factors on crime, and effective methods for preventing criminal acts. This field informs policies and practices aimed at reducing crime and improving societal safety.

Synonyms

crime study, criminal science, criminal sociology.

Examples of usage

  • The criminology department conducted extensive research on juvenile delinquency.
  • Her interest in criminology led her to pursue a career in criminal psychology.
  • They published a study on the effects of socioeconomic status on criminal behavior.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Perspectives

  • Early studies focused primarily on physical characteristics of criminals, linking them to concepts of biological determinism.
  • In the 20th century, criminology expanded to consider social and environmental factors affecting criminal behavior.

Popular Culture

  • Criminology often appears in TV shows and movies, such as 'Criminal Minds,' highlighting the work of criminal profilers.
  • True crime podcasts have surged in popularity, combining storytelling with psychological insights into criminal behavior.

Psychology

  • Understanding the psychological motives behind criminal acts can aid law enforcement and prevention programs.
  • Theories in criminology often draw from psychological studies on aggression and morality.

Modern Developments

  • Technology has influenced criminology, with data analysis being used for crime mapping and predictive policing.
  • Current trends include exploring cybercrime due to the rise of the internet and digital communication.

Origin of 'criminology'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'crimen,' Latin for 'crime,' and 'logy,' which means 'study of' in Greek.
  • It emerged as a distinct field in the late 19th century, influenced by various sciences like sociology and psychology.

The term 'criminology' comes from the Latin word 'crimen,' meaning crime, and the Greek word 'logos,' meaning study or discourse. It was first coined in the mid-19th century by the Italian law professor Raffaele Garofalo, who is often regarded as a founding figure in the field. The study of crime has existed in various forms throughout history, but criminology as a distinct discipline emerged during a period of industrialization and urbanization, which saw a rise in crime rates. Early criminologists sought to develop theories about the causes of crime and the effectiveness of punishment, with figures such as Cesare Lombroso proposing biological explanations for criminal behavior. Over the years, criminology has evolved into a multidisciplinary field, integrating insights from various social sciences to better understand the complexities of crime and justice.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,259, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.