Question

Objective: Obtain a working knowledge of the Victimization theories and be able to differentiate between them.

It is important to understand how our modern criminal justice system evolved from the old systems. This will provide a strong foundation for how and where the criminal justice we use today developed.

• Read Chapter 3 in your textbook.
• Discuss one of the Victimization theories.
• Ensure the following points are addressed:
  • Select one of the theories and define it.
  • Describe the origin of the selected theory.
  • Determine if the theory makes sense with what we know today.

Answer 1

LIFESTYLE THEORY (Definition)- The theory assumes that individuals can become victims due to the choices and lifestyles they make in their lives. Hindelang et. al (1978) pointed that the potential reason of youth getting more involved in criminal behavior because of their exposure to other youth people who may be engaging in poor lifestyle choices.

Following are 2 examples of the theory-

EXAMPLE 1- If an individual walks alone in a dangerous area, with expensive jewellery or money, there are more chances that an individual can become victim of the crime.

EXAMPLE 2- People who have history of extremely risky life- are more at like for becoming victims- there will be more time that they will be exposed to street life, the more are the chances that they will be victims of a particular crime.

ORIGIN- The theory has its basis or foundation in social cognitive model of BANDURA (1986), the techniques of neutralization given by Sykes and Matzka (1957), and work of Yochelson and Samenow on the personality of criminals. The theory proposes that crime can be considered as the developmental process which can be believed to be the interaction of 3 variables (incentive, opportunity, and choice). The criminal style may have these variables in different meanings and values.

Application of theory in today's life-

1) Lifestyle is crucial to understand why some individuals might be involved in situations and exposed to risks where there are more chances of criminal activities. The higher the time individuals spend in such environments (risk exposing), the more are the chances they can either become victims or offendors. However, more researches are needed to examine the specific lifestyle indicators that predisposes a person to become victim of a particular crime.

2) Moreover, on research grounds, this theory can be utilized today to understand why certain crimes are specific for a particular culture. For example- If researchers study sexual violence culturally, certain lifestyle indicators can be investigated to understand why in a certain culture individuals are more prone to being a victim.