WHAT IS CRIMINOGENESIS AND CRIMINODYNAMICS? - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The criminogenesis and criminodinámica are essential terms within the field of criminology. The first refers to the study of the origin and causes of criminal conduct. For its part, criminodynamics is in charge of seeking the explanation for antisocial behaviors.

However, in the study of crime there is a wide range of disciplines and theories involved. In itself, criminology studies criminal laws, the extent of crime, its effects on victims and society, crime prevention methods, among others.

Formerly, it was believed in the effects of God on good behavior and the Devil on deviant behavior. The methods for resolving disputes were based on those beliefs. The premise was that God would watch over the good and protect the innocent. He would also ensure that the guilty were punished.

However, advances in science and empirical research increased skepticism. People became increasingly interested in the why of the events.

With the rise of rationalism throughout the eighteenth century, belief in celestial or ethereal explanations waned and criminal justice began to establish its foundations in "fact." In this context the concepts of criminogenesis and criminodynamics emerge.

Theories related to criminogenesis and criminodynamics

Generally speaking, crime is a highly complex phenomenon that changes across cultures and over time. Some activities are legal in one country, but illegal in others.

An example of this is the consumption of alcohol or the practice of abortion. Similarly, as cultures change over time, behaviors that were not once criminalized can be criminalized.

Therefore, defining what a crime is, a basic concept in criminogenesis and criminodynamics, can be a complicated task. As a way of simplicity, it can be said that a crime occurs when someone breaks the law. This can occur from overt act, omission, or negligence that can result in punishment.

Similarly, there is no single answer on the causes of the crime. Each type of crime often has its own causes. In criminology, it is important to know them as they are indicative of how crime should be managed and prevented.

Over the years, many theories have emerged. One of them argues that crimes are the product of rational choices after weighing potential risks and rewards. Another considers that the physical and social environments are the main responsible for criminal behavior.

Labeling theory estimates that power factors decide what are criminal acts and who are criminals. Once tagged, losing all opportunities, the person engages in even more criminal behavior.

In addition, bad company and the lack of adequate social controls have been mentioned as causes. The list also includes a poor diet, mental illness, poor brain chemistry, and more.

Criminogenesis: factors that contribute to the causes of crime

During the Middle Ages, crimes against people, property, and the state were considered crimes against God. These sins were punished by the monarchs, who acted as heads of state and the heads of the church. The punishment was often swift and cruel, with little regard for the criminal.

In time, the separation between church and state began. With this, ideas about crime and punishment took on a more secular and humanistic form. The study of sociology gives way to modern criminology.

This science seeks to know the fundamental causes of crime. Its disciplines include criminogenesis and criminodynamics. Both, equally, are interested in knowing the factors that enhance crime.

Environmental factors

In the early 19th century, demographic and crime rates were compared. It was found that the criminals, for the most part, had the same profile: men without education, poor and young. It was also found that more crimes were being committed in richer and more prosperous geographic areas.

However, the highest crime rates occurred in those areas of greater economic resources that were physically closer to the poorest regions.

This showed that the crime was carried out, in large part, as a result of opportunity. It also showed a strong correlation between economic status, age, education, and crime.

Biological factors

At the end of the 19th century, the cause of crime was studied based on individual biological and psychological characteristics. Certain physical attributes shared among criminals led to the belief that there was a biological and hereditary element that contributed to an individual's potential to commit a crime.

Today, these two lines of thought, biological and environmental, have evolved to complement each other. It is recognized, then, that there are internal and external factors that contribute to the causes of crime.

Today criminologists study social, psychological, and biological factors. Based on their studies, they make policy recommendations to governments, courts, and police organizations to help prevent crime.

Criminodynamics: development of antisocial behaviors

The development of antisocial behaviors is of special interest to criminogenesis and criminodynamics. These are defined as disruptive acts characterized by hostility, covert or overt, and intentional aggression towards others.

The severity of these increases over time. Some of these behaviors include violations of social rules, defiance of authority, deception, theft, among others.

On the other hand, antisocial behavior can be identified in children up to three or four years of age. If left unchecked, these behavior patterns will persist and intensify, becoming a chronic behavior disorder.

In general, overt acts involve aggressive actions against children and adults (verbal abuse, intimidation, and hitting). While the undercover include aggressive actions against property, such as theft, vandalism and arson.

During early childhood, the secret breach, lying, or destruction of another's property is considered covert acts. Antisocial behaviors also include drug and alcohol abuse and high-risk activities for both the perpetrator and others.

Thus, antisocial behaviors can get off to an early start. But they can also manifest in the middle or late adolescence. Some research indicates that females are more likely than males to exhibit late-onset antisocial behavior.

Related Posts

History of criminology.

Branches of criminology.

Antisocial behavior.

Antisocial personality disorder.

Legal psychology.

References

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