Abstract Definition of Criminology

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 57 views

The Universal Subject Matter of Criminology: A Discussion on Gottfredson and Hirschi's Argument

Criminology, as a field of study, has been a subject of interest for many scholars and researchers. The subject matter of criminology is a crucial aspect that has been debated by many experts, including Gottfredson and Hirschi. In this article, we will discuss their argument that the subject matter of criminology should be universal and defined in a specific way.

Gottfredson and Hirschi, in their work, argue that the subject matter of criminology should be universal and defined in an abstract way. They propose that criminology should focus on the causes and consequences of crime, rather than just the legal aspects of it. This approach is based on the idea that crime is a complex phenomenon that cannot be understood solely through the lens of the law.

Abstract Definition of Criminology

According to Gottfredson and Hirschi, an abstract definition of criminology would involve understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms that lead to crime. This would include factors such as individual characteristics, social environment, and economic conditions. By focusing on these underlying factors, criminologists can gain a deeper understanding of the causes of crime and develop more effective strategies for preventing and reducing it.

Benefits of an Abstract Definition

An abstract definition of criminology has several benefits. Firstly, it allows criminologists to focus on the root causes of crime, rather than just the symptoms. This approach can lead to more effective prevention and intervention strategies. Secondly, an abstract definition of criminology can help to identify common patterns and trends in crime, which can inform policy and practice. Finally, an abstract definition of criminology can help to promote a more nuanced understanding of crime, one that takes into account the complexities and nuances of the phenomenon.

Challenges of an Abstract Definition

While an abstract definition of criminology has several benefits, it also presents several challenges. One of the main challenges is that it can be difficult to operationalize and measure abstract concepts. For example, how do we measure the impact of individual characteristics on crime? Another challenge is that an abstract definition of criminology can be difficult to communicate to policymakers and practitioners, who may be more interested in concrete and practical solutions.

Concrete Definition of Criminology

In contrast to an abstract definition, a concrete definition of criminology would involve focusing on specific and tangible aspects of crime. This could include factors such as crime rates, crime types, and crime locations. A concrete definition of criminology can be more easily operationalized and measured, and can be more easily communicated to policymakers and practitioners.

Benefits of a Concrete Definition

A concrete definition of criminology has several benefits. Firstly, it can provide a clear and concise understanding of crime, which can inform policy and practice. Secondly, a concrete definition of criminology can help to identify specific patterns and trends in crime, which can inform prevention and intervention strategies. Finally, a concrete definition of criminology can help to promote a more practical and applied understanding of crime.

Challenges of a Concrete Definition

While a concrete definition of criminology has several benefits, it also presents several challenges. One of the main challenges is that it can be overly narrow and focused on specific aspects of crime, rather than the broader causes and consequences. Another challenge is that a concrete definition of criminology can be difficult to generalize to different contexts and populations.

Legalistic Definition of Criminology

A legalistic definition of criminology would involve focusing on the legal aspects of crime, such as the definition of crime, the process of crime, and the punishment of crime. This approach is based on the idea that crime is a legal phenomenon that can be understood solely through the lens of the law.

Benefits of a Legalistic Definition

A legalistic definition of criminology has several benefits. Firstly, it can provide a clear and concise understanding of the legal aspects of crime, which can inform policy and practice. Secondly, a legalistic definition of criminology can help to identify specific patterns and trends in crime, which can inform prevention and intervention strategies. Finally, a legalistic definition of criminology can help to promote a more practical and applied understanding of crime.

Challenges of a Legalistic Definition

While a legalistic definition of criminology has several benefits, it also presents several challenges. One of the main challenges is that it can be overly narrow and focused on specific aspects of crime, rather than the broader causes and consequences. Another challenge is that a legalistic definition of criminology can be difficult to generalize to different contexts and populations.

Surrealistic Definition of Criminology

A surrealistic definition of criminology would involve focusing on the subjective and personal aspects of crime, such as the emotional and psychological experiences of victims and offenders. This approach is based on the idea that crime is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that cannot be understood solely through the lens of the law.

Benefits of a Surrealistic Definition

A surrealistic definition of criminology has several benefits. Firstly, it can provide a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of crime, one that takes into account the complexities and nuances of the phenomenon. Secondly, a surrealistic definition of criminology can help to identify specific patterns and trends in crime, which can inform prevention and intervention strategies. Finally, a surrealistic definition of criminology can help to promote a more practical and applied understanding of crime.

Challenges of a Surrealistic Definition

While a surrealistic definition of criminology has several benefits, it also presents several challenges. One of the main challenges is that it can be difficult to operationalize and measure subjective and personal aspects of crime. Another challenge is that a surrealistic definition of criminology can be difficult to communicate to policymakers and practitioners, who may be more interested in concrete and practical solutions.

In conclusion, Gottfredson and Hirschi's argument that the subject matter of criminology should be universal and defined in an abstract way has several benefits. However, it also presents several challenges. A concrete definition of criminology can provide a clear and concise understanding of crime, but it can be overly narrow and focused on specific aspects of crime. A legalistic definition of criminology can provide a clear and concise understanding of the legal aspects of crime, but it can be difficult to generalize to different contexts and populations. A surrealistic definition of criminology can provide a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of crime, but it can be difficult to operationalize and measure subjective and personal aspects of crime.

Based on the discussion above, we recommend that criminologists adopt a more nuanced and multifaceted approach to understanding crime. This could involve combining elements of abstract, concrete, legalistic, and surrealistic definitions of criminology. By taking a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to understanding crime, criminologists can gain a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of crime, and develop more effective strategies for preventing and reducing it.

Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A general theory of crime. Stanford University Press.

Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of delinquency. University of California Press.

Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Structural variations in juvenile court processing: Inequality, the underclass, and social control. Law & Society Review, 27(2), 285-312.

Shaw, C. R., & McKay, H. D. (1942). Juvenile delinquency and urban areas. University of Chicago Press.
Q&A: Understanding Gottfredson and Hirschi's Argument on the Universal Subject Matter of Criminology

In our previous article, we discussed Gottfredson and Hirschi's argument that the subject matter of criminology should be universal and defined in an abstract way. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about their argument and provide further clarification on the benefits and challenges of an abstract definition of criminology.

Q: What is the main argument of Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory of criminology?

A: The main argument of Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory of criminology is that crime is a complex phenomenon that cannot be understood solely through the lens of the law. They propose that criminology should focus on the causes and consequences of crime, rather than just the legal aspects of it.

Q: What is an abstract definition of criminology?

A: An abstract definition of criminology involves understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms that lead to crime. This would include factors such as individual characteristics, social environment, and economic conditions.

Q: What are the benefits of an abstract definition of criminology?

A: The benefits of an abstract definition of criminology include:

A deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of crime
More effective prevention and intervention strategies
A more nuanced understanding of crime, one that takes into account the complexities and nuances of the phenomenon

Q: What are the challenges of an abstract definition of criminology?

A: The challenges of an abstract definition of criminology include:

Difficulty in operationalizing and measuring abstract concepts
Difficulty in communicating abstract concepts to policymakers and practitioners
Overemphasis on individual characteristics and social environment, rather than broader structural factors

Q: What is a concrete definition of criminology?

A: A concrete definition of criminology involves focusing on specific and tangible aspects of crime, such as crime rates, crime types, and crime locations.

Q: What are the benefits of a concrete definition of criminology?

A: The benefits of a concrete definition of criminology include:

A clear and concise understanding of crime
Identification of specific patterns and trends in crime
More practical and applied understanding of crime

Q: What are the challenges of a concrete definition of criminology?

A: The challenges of a concrete definition of criminology include:

Overemphasis on specific aspects of crime, rather than broader causes and consequences
Difficulty in generalizing to different contexts and populations

Q: What is a legalistic definition of criminology?

A: A legalistic definition of criminology involves focusing on the legal aspects of crime, such as the definition of crime, the process of crime, and the punishment of crime.

Q: What are the benefits of a legalistic definition of criminology?

A: The benefits of a legalistic definition of criminology include:

A clear and concise understanding of the legal aspects of crime
Identification of specific patterns and trends in crime
More practical and applied understanding of crime

Q: What are the challenges of a legalistic definition of criminology?

A: The challenges of a legalistic definition of criminology include:

Overemphasis on specific aspects of crime, rather than broader causes and consequences
Difficulty in generalizing to different contexts and populations

Q: What is a surrealistic definition of criminology?

A: A surrealistic definition of criminology involves focusing on the subjective and personal aspects of crime, such as the emotional and psychological experiences of victims and offenders.

Q: What are the benefits of a surrealistic definition of criminology?

A: The benefits of a surrealistic definition of criminology include:

A more nuanced and empathetic understanding of crime
Identification of specific patterns and trends in crime
More practical and applied understanding of crime

Q: What are the challenges of a surrealistic definition of criminology?

A: The challenges of a surrealistic definition of criminology include:

Difficulty in operationalizing and measuring subjective and personal aspects of crime
Difficulty in communicating abstract concepts to policymakers and practitioners

In conclusion, Gottfredson and Hirschi's argument that the subject matter of criminology should be universal and defined in an abstract way has several benefits and challenges. By understanding the different definitions of criminology and their benefits and challenges, criminologists can gain a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of crime and develop more effective strategies for preventing and reducing it.

Based on the discussion above, we recommend that criminologists adopt a more nuanced and multifaceted approach to understanding crime. This could involve combining elements of abstract, concrete, legalistic, and surrealistic definitions of criminology. By taking a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to understanding crime, criminologists can gain a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of crime and develop more effective strategies for preventing and reducing it.

Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A general theory of crime. Stanford University Press.

Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of delinquency. University of California Press.

Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Structural variations in juvenile court processing: Inequality, the underclass, and social control. Law & Society Review, 27(2), 285-312.

Shaw, C. R., & McKay, H. D. (1942). Juvenile delinquency and urban areas. University of Chicago Press.