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12
2
Emily Finch
09/10/2025
Criminology
Criminology Unit 2 Freuds theory on criminality
810
•
9 Oct 2025
•
Emily Finch
@emilyfinch111
The psychodynamic theory of criminologyexplains criminal behavior through unconscious... Show more
The superego, developed through socialization, acts as a moral conscience. Its role is to punish the ego with guilt and shame when an immoral act is contemplated or carried out. A weak superego means the person lacks the ability to feel guilt and stop their criminal behavior.
Definition: A weak superego in psychodynamic theory criminology refers to an underdeveloped moral conscience that fails to regulate behavior.
When the superego is weak, the person becomes dominated by their id impulses. This imbalance can lead to criminal behavior, as the individual will not feel shame or guilt for their criminal acts.
Example: A person with a weak superego might engage in repeated theft without experiencing remorse.
The ego, acting as a mediator between the superego and id, operates on the reality principle. It attempts to balance the demands of the id with the moral constraints of the superego.
Highlight: The interplay between id, ego, and superego is crucial in understanding criminal behavior from a psychodynamic perspective.
Sigmund Freud's psychodynamic explanations of offending behaviour center on the idea that all behavior results from our unconscious mind. Our unconscious is filled with memories, instincts, and desires that cause anxiety and shame, so they have been repressed. However, these repressed elements still shape our behavior.
Quote: "All behaviour is a result of our unconscious mind."
The tripartite theory of personality suggests that our personality comprises three parts that conflict with each other:
Vocabulary: Deviant superego criminology refers to a malfunctioning superego that fails to prevent criminal behavior.
The strength of each part may affect our likelihood of committing crimes. A weak superego cannot restrain the id's impulses, leading to potential criminal behavior. The superego's role is to punish the ego with guilt and shame when an immoral act is contemplated or carried out.
Example: An individual with a weak superego might engage in theft without feeling remorse or guilt.
When a person has a weak superego, they lack the ability to feel guilt and stop their behavior. This means the person is dominated by their id impulses, which can lead to criminality. As a result, the individual will not feel shame or guilt for their criminal acts.
Highlight: The balance between id, ego, and superego is crucial in determining an individual's propensity for criminal behavior according to psychodynamic theory.
Sigmund Freud proposed the psychodynamic theory of crime in the late 1800s to early 1900s. This approach is based on three fundamental assumptions: the unconscious mind, instincts and drives, and early childhood experiences. Freud compared the mind to an iceberg, suggesting that all behavior results from content in our unconscious mind.
The unconscious contains repressed memories, instincts, and desires that cause anxiety and shame but still shape our behavior. Early childhood experiences play a crucial role in personality development.
Highlight: The unconscious mind, like an iceberg, contains hidden influences on behavior.
Freud's tripartite theory of personality posits that personality has three parts that conflict with each other:
Vocabulary: Id, ego, superego criminology refers to how these personality components influence criminal behavior.
The strength of each part may affect our likelihood of committing crimes. A weak superego may lead to criminal behavior as it fails to restrain the id's impulses.
Example: An individual with a weak superego might steal without feeling guilt or remorse.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Criminology
9 Oct 2025
810
3 pages
Emily Finch @emilyfinch111
The psychodynamic theory of criminology explains criminal behavior through unconscious mental processes and early childhood experiences. Sigmund Freud's tripartite model of personality (id, ego, superego) forms the basis... Show more
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The superego, developed through socialization, acts as a moral conscience. Its role is to punish the ego with guilt and shame when an immoral act is contemplated or carried out. A weak superego means the person lacks the ability to feel guilt and stop their criminal behavior.
Definition A weak superego in psychodynamic theory criminology refers to an underdeveloped moral conscience that fails to regulate behavior.
When the superego is weak, the person becomes dominated by their id impulses. This imbalance can lead to criminal behavior, as the individual will not feel shame or guilt for their criminal acts.
Example A person with a weak superego might engage in repeated theft without experiencing remorse.
The ego, acting as a mediator between the superego and id, operates on the reality principle. It attempts to balance the demands of the id with the moral constraints of the superego.
Highlight The interplay between id, ego, and superego is crucial in understanding criminal behavior from a psychodynamic perspective.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sigmund Freud's psychodynamic explanations of offending behaviour center on the idea that all behavior results from our unconscious mind. Our unconscious is filled with memories, instincts, and desires that cause anxiety and shame, so they have been repressed. However, these repressed elements still shape our behavior.
Quote "All behaviour is a result of our unconscious mind."
The tripartite theory of personality suggests that our personality comprises three parts that conflict with each other
Vocabulary Deviant superego criminology refers to a malfunctioning superego that fails to prevent criminal behavior.
The strength of each part may affect our likelihood of committing crimes. A weak superego cannot restrain the id's impulses, leading to potential criminal behavior. The superego's role is to punish the ego with guilt and shame when an immoral act is contemplated or carried out.
Example An individual with a weak superego might engage in theft without feeling remorse or guilt.
When a person has a weak superego, they lack the ability to feel guilt and stop their behavior. This means the person is dominated by their id impulses, which can lead to criminality. As a result, the individual will not feel shame or guilt for their criminal acts.
Highlight The balance between id, ego, and superego is crucial in determining an individual's propensity for criminal behavior according to psychodynamic theory.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sigmund Freud proposed the psychodynamic theory of crime in the late 1800s to early 1900s. This approach is based on three fundamental assumptions the unconscious mind, instincts and drives, and early childhood experiences. Freud compared the mind to an iceberg, suggesting that all behavior results from content in our unconscious mind.
The unconscious contains repressed memories, instincts, and desires that cause anxiety and shame but still shape our behavior. Early childhood experiences play a crucial role in personality development.
Highlight The unconscious mind, like an iceberg, contains hidden influences on behavior.
Freud's tripartite theory of personality posits that personality has three parts that conflict with each other
Vocabulary Id, ego, superego criminology refers to how these personality components influence criminal behavior.
The strength of each part may affect our likelihood of committing crimes. A weak superego may lead to criminal behavior as it fails to restrain the id's impulses.
Example An individual with a weak superego might steal without feeling guilt or remorse.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
