Analysis of Criminological Theory Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Analysis of Criminological Theory - Assignment Example For the purpose of researching and understanding victimology, scholars thus developed theories that attempt to explain victimization and its causes, a few of the most common and important ones being victim precipitation theory, lifestyle theory, deviant place theory and routine activities theory (Siegel, p73). Victim precipitation theory suggests that some individuals cause or instigate a particular confrontation, which may ultimately lead to their victimization through injury or death. Such precipitation on the victim’s part can be either active or passive, with the active one existing following the victim’s deliberate provocative actions, use of threats or fighting words or simply attacks first. In rape cases, for instance, courts have presented not-guilty rulings anchored in whether or not the victim’s actions were in any way appearing to consent to sexual relations, for example, how a woman was dressed. Passive precipitation, on the other hand, transpires when the victim possesses features that inadvertently threatens or motivates the attacker. The existence of such crimes can be due to personal conflicts like two persons competing for a job, a promotion, a love interest or any other rare or desirable entity. It may also exist if a victim is involved in a particul ar group that threatens or offends someone's reputation, status or economic well-being. Research reveals that economic power reduces victimization risk since passive precipitation often exists in relation to power (Siegel, p73). Next is the lifestyle theory. Siegel asserts that majority of criminologists hold that individuals whose lifestyle increases their exposure to criminals are more likely to happen to be crime victims. Behaviors like residing in cities, associating with younger men and going out late at night raise the likelihood of falling victim to crime.