The Positive School of Criminology, championed by Enrico Ferri, was a major development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here's a breakdown of its core ideas:
Shifting the Focus:
- Unlike classical criminology, which viewed crime as a rational choice made by individuals with free will, the Positive School focused on understanding the causes of criminal behavior.
Ferri's Multi-Factorial Approach:
- Ferri argued that crime resulted from a combination of factors:
- Biological factors: These included inherited traits and physical characteristics (though the exact nature of these factors was debated).
- Psychological factors: Mental makeup and personality could influence criminal tendencies.
- Social factors: Poverty, inequality, lack of education, and a disorganized social environment all played a role.
Criminals Not Born, But Made:
- Ferri rejected the idea of "born criminals." Instead, he believed that social and environmental factors shaped individuals towards criminal behavior.
Focus on Rehabilitation:
- Since crime stemmed from underlying causes, the Positive School advocated for rehabilitation over punishment.
- The goal was to address the root causes of a person's criminal behavior so they could reintegrate into society.
Scientific Methods:
- Ferri emphasized the use of scientific methods to study crime and criminals.
- He believed data and analysis could help identify the factors contributing to crime and develop effective prevention strategies.
Legacy of the Positive School:
- While some of Ferri's biological theories are no longer widely accepted, his emphasis on social and psychological factors influencing crime remains relevant.
- The Positive School paved the way for modern criminology by encouraging a scientific approach to understanding and preventing crime.
Criticisms:
- The Positive School has been criticized for potentially downplaying individual responsibility and free will.
- Identifying the specific causes of crime in each case remains a complex challenge.
Overall, Enrico Ferri's Positive School of Criminology offered a new perspective on crime, emphasizing the role of social and individual factors and advocating for a more scientific and rehabilitative approach to criminal justice.
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