The term recidivism falls under the umbrella of Criminology, which “embraces environmental, hereditary or psychology causes of criminal behaviour, modes of investigation and conviction and the efficacy of punishment.” It is considered as a critical aspect of the Criminal Justice System and refers to ‘repeated or habitual criminal behaviour’ (Taylor, 1984). The assumption made here is that, when the crime rate increases, the number of individuals committing crimes increases. In other words the rate of recidivism is increasing.
Recidivism is the act of a person repeating an undesirable behaviour after they have either experienced negative consequences of that behaviour, or have been treated or trained to extinguish that behaviour. It is also known as the percentage of former prisons who are arrested. Dr. Ken Pryce (1982), states that ‘recidivism simple means repetitive criminal or deviate behaviour among low income offenders and usually implies that the treatment or punishment has failed to bring about a permanent change or cure.’
Recidivism rates vary according to individual and contextual/social level risk factors. In this study the authors have identified only three individual level risk factors which include previous history dynamics, psychopathic disorder and educational performance and school discipline. The contextual or social (aggregate) level risk variables comprises of family factors, community factors and peer influence.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Theoretical Framework
- Statement of the Problem
- Review of the Literature
- INDIVIDUAL LEVEL RISK FACTORS
- Previous history dynamics
- Psychopathic Disorder
- Educational Performance and School Discipline
- CONTEXTUAL OR SOCIAL AGGREGATE LEVEL RISK FACTORS
- Family Factors
- Peer Influence
- Community Factors
- INDIVIDUAL LEVEL RISK FACTORS
- Hypothesis
- The design - Method and Procedures
- Reference/ Bibliography
- APPENDIX
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to examine recidivism in Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on the individual and contextual factors contributing to repeated criminal behavior. The research seeks to understand the effectiveness of current penal strategies and identify potential areas for improvement in reducing recidivism rates.
- Definition and Measurement of Recidivism
- Individual-Level Risk Factors for Recidivism
- Contextual/Social Level Risk Factors for Recidivism
- The Classical and Positivistic Schools of Criminology in relation to Recidivism
- Recidivism in Trinidad and Tobago
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of recidivism, defining it as repeated criminal behavior despite negative consequences or interventions. It highlights the significance of recidivism within the criminal justice system and its increasing prevalence. The chapter cites various studies on recidivism rates in Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing the high percentage of recidivist inmates and the disproportionate representation of certain crime categories. It lays the groundwork for exploring the individual and contextual factors that contribute to this concerning trend, setting the stage for the subsequent examination of risk factors and theoretical frameworks.
Theoretical Framework: This chapter delves into the theoretical underpinnings of understanding crime and recidivism. It contrasts the Classical and Positivistic schools of criminology, highlighting the differing perspectives on free will and the determination of human behavior. The Classical school emphasizes free will and rational choice, suggesting that punishment can deter crime. The Positivistic school, conversely, argues that behavior is influenced by factors beyond individual control, emphasizing social and biological determinants. The chapter posits that both perspectives offer valuable insights into recidivism in Trinidad and Tobago, suggesting that both individual and contextual factors contribute to the issue.
Statement of the Problem: This chapter emphasizes the critical nature of crime and recidivism as growing social problems. It underscores the significant role of criminologists and related disciplines in determining causal factors. The chapter stresses the societal impact of recidivism, noting the public's awareness of the issue and the negative perceptions associated with recidivists. It further highlights the use of recidivism as a metric for evaluating the effectiveness of various penal strategies and provides statistics on the high rate of recidivism within Trinidad and Tobago's prison population, further emphasizing the urgency to address this societal concern.
Keywords
Recidivism, Trinidad and Tobago, criminal justice, risk factors, individual level, contextual level, Classical school, Positivistic school, crime, punishment, deterrence, free will, social factors, peer influence, family factors, community factors, prison population, recidivism rates.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Recidivism in Trinidad and Tobago
What is the overall focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a research study examining recidivism in Trinidad and Tobago. It details the study's objectives, methodology, key themes, and a summary of its main chapters.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The study explores the individual and contextual factors contributing to recidivism. This includes examining individual-level risk factors (such as previous history, psychopathic disorders, and educational performance) and contextual/social level risk factors (like family, peer, and community influences). The study also contrasts the Classical and Positivistic schools of criminology to understand different perspectives on crime and recidivism.
What is the study's methodology?
While the specifics of the methods and procedures are detailed in a separate chapter, the preview indicates that the research design will examine both individual and contextual risk factors related to recidivism in Trinidad and Tobago.
What are the main chapters covered in the study?
The study includes chapters on the Introduction (defining recidivism and its significance in Trinidad and Tobago), Theoretical Framework (exploring Classical and Positivistic criminology), Statement of the Problem (highlighting the societal impact of recidivism), Review of the Literature (examining individual and contextual risk factors), Hypothesis, The design - Method and Procedures, References/Bibliography, and Appendix.
What is the definition of recidivism used in this study?
Recidivism is defined as repeated criminal behavior despite negative consequences or interventions.
What individual-level risk factors are considered?
Individual-level risk factors explored include previous criminal history dynamics, psychopathic disorders, educational performance, and school discipline.
What contextual/social-level risk factors are considered?
Contextual/social-level risk factors include family factors, peer influence, and community factors.
How does the study approach the Classical and Positivistic schools of criminology?
The study contrasts these two schools of thought, recognizing that both offer valuable insights into understanding recidivism. The Classical school emphasizes free will and rational choice, while the Positivistic school highlights factors beyond individual control in shaping behavior.
What is the overall aim of the research?
The study aims to examine recidivism in Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on the factors contributing to repeated criminal behavior and evaluating the effectiveness of current penal strategies to identify areas for improvement in reducing recidivism rates.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include Recidivism, Trinidad and Tobago, criminal justice, risk factors (individual and contextual levels), Classical school, Positivistic school, crime, punishment, deterrence, free will, social factors, peer influence, family factors, community factors, prison population, and recidivism rates.
- Citation du texte
- Stacy Ramdhan (Auteur), Lisa Bissessar (Auteur), 2010, Recidivism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/175783
