criminology Definition
the scientific study of crime and criminals, including the causes of crime and the social impact of crime.
Using criminology: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "criminology" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Criminology is a multidisciplinary field that draws on sociology, psychology, and other disciplines.
Example
The criminology department at the university offers courses on criminal behavior and the criminal justice system.
Example
Criminologists study the factors that contribute to crime, such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.
criminology Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for criminology
- penology
- criminalistics
- forensic science
Phrases with criminology
an approach to criminology that emphasizes the role of free will and rational decision-making in criminal behavior
Example
Classical criminology posits that individuals choose to commit crimes based on their own self-interest.
an approach to criminology that emphasizes the role of biological, psychological, and social factors in criminal behavior
Example
Positivist criminology suggests that criminal behavior is determined by factors beyond an individual's control, such as genetics or upbringing.
an approach to criminology that focuses on the gendered nature of crime and the criminal justice system
Example
Feminist criminology highlights the ways in which women are often treated unfairly by the criminal justice system, both as victims and as offenders.
Summary: criminology in Brief
Criminology [kri-muh-nol-uh-jee] is the scientific study of crime and criminals, including the causes of crime and the social impact of crime. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws on sociology, psychology, and other disciplines. Criminologists study the factors that contribute to crime, such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.
