Criminology theories have a great impact on understanding crime and justice. Therefore, developing criminology theories created an approach to resolving and punishing crime. This paper will emphasize feminist criminology, criminal race theory, and peacemaking theory, as well as the critiques derived from applying and understanding these theories.
Summarize the Development of Feminist Criminology
Feminist criminology found its relevance in 1970 as a reaction to the male-dominated criminology section. The theory emphasizes gender bias viewed in the traditional theories of delinquency and crime, presenting approaches in which the women’s experience has dissimilarity from the men’s in the criminal justice system (Carrabine et al., 2020). Illegal race theory was initiated in the 1980s; it focuses on how race and racism intersect with punishment and crime. The theory contradicted prevailing criminological beliefs that disregarded or sustained racial disparities in the criminal justice system (Carrabine et al., 2020). In addition, the concept is dedicated to practising the knowledge of the institutional or structural nature of racism to the critical objective of eradicating the entire race-based and other unjust hierarchies. Peacemaking theory, formed in the 1990s, focuses on restorative justice activities over punishment practices, emphasizing reconciliation and healing rather than punishing the victims of crime (Carrabine et al., 2020).
Critical Race Theory and Peacemaking Theory
Peacemaking theory and critical race theory entail two distinct but complementary approaches that provide important insights into conflict resolution and social justice (Henry, 2021). Critical race theory analyses how racism and race intersect with privilege and power (Henry, 2021). The idea provides insights into how marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by oppression and discrimination. Based on the factors that promote discrimination, such as the experiences of critical race and colour, the theory contradicts the dominant narrative and advocates for equality. The concept provided an important aspect of the issue of discrimination in society. Addressing discrimination benefits the marginalized groups in the society.
On the contrary, peacemaking theory emphasizes promoting peace by implementing nonviolent approaches, focusing on empathy, dialogue, and understanding as key elements of conflict resolution (Carrabine et al., 2020). The main concept in this theory involves advocating for critical ways of promoting peace through reconciliation and healing rather than punishment. Peacemaking theory acts as a concept of peace-building in criminology. Combining the two theories forms a comprehensive framework for handling systematic injustices while embracing understanding and harmony among different communities. Integrating the two theories creates a just and peaceful framework for the criminal justice system.
Critiques of the Critical Theories
The most critical critiques derived from the three criminology concepts entail concerns about poetizing race or gender, overlooking other essential elements that promote crime, and ignoring strategic problems within the society that create an environment that allows inequality (Jimale & Sipahi, 2023). Also, critiques provide an important insight that claims that the three concepts of criminology positively impact understanding justice and crime but must apply other perspectives to promote a substantial understanding of criminal behaviour and social control.
In conclusion, the study has addressed the three theories of criminology. The theories emphasize the understanding of crime and justice. Critiques claim that the theories address race and gender, leaving out other factors that promote crime in society. Integrating peacemaking and critical race theories creates a just and peaceful framework for the criminal justice system.
References
Carrabine, E., Cox, A., Cox, P., Crowhurst, I., Di Ronco, A., Fussey, P., … & Turton, J. (2020). Criminology: A sociological introduction. Routledge.https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315123509/criminology-isabel-crowhurst-anna-di-ronco-anna-sergi-eamon-carrabine-pam-cox-isabel-crowhurst-anna-di-ronco-pete-fussey-anna-sergi-nigel-south-darren-thiel-jackie-turton
Jimale, O. A., & Sipahi, E. (2023). Exploring Conflict Theories in the Context of Urban Security. Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi Siyasal Bilgiler Fakültesi Dergisi, 5(2), 165-185.https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/neusbf/issue/82337/1324775
Henry, M. (2021). On the necessity of critical race feminism for women, peace and security. Critical Studies on Security, 9(1), 22–26.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21624887.2021.1904191
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