Discuss the contrasts in criminological theory between the Classical/neo-Classical School and the Positivist School, and how they pertain to South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Overview
Simply put, neoclassical criminology is a school of thinking that regards criminal conduct as situationally dynamic and personally driven. According to neoclassical crime theories, tighter child-rearing techniques, harsher penalties, and/or more monitoring and security can dissuade, reduce, or eliminate crime. Typically, Neoclassical philosophy is associated with politically conservative crime control strategies. This is partly due to the fact that these theories call for expanded enforcement, zero-tolerance parole and probation systems, and longer jail terms for all offences.
Throughout the rest of this course, we’ll look at the neoclassical school of criminology’s key theoretical assumptions and how they might help us understand criminal conduct and suitable punishment responses. You’ll also see an example of neoclassical thought by exploring the assumptions of routine activities theory.
School and Theory in Neoclassical Criminology
In criminology, a school of thought is made up of a number of theoretical views, each of which is closely connected in that they share, to some extent, similar underlying assumptions. The most fundamental premise shared by neoclassicists is that illegal activity is a rational decision. The rational choice perspective argues that all humans have free will, that they are aware of all of their alternatives, and that they will choose decisions that maximize pleasure and minimize misery.
Other elements, such as historical oppression, limited opportunity, and poverty, are minimized or ignored by neoclassical views. Individuals, rather than environmental forces, are blamed by Neoclassical thinkers for crimes committed.
