Еvolution of analysis of criminality cause theories in 18th–19th centuries

Abstract

Problems of criminality cause are crucial in criminology. Solutions provided for these problems define the scientific aspect of the criminological theory and its development. As a complex phenomenon criminality can be specified as a result of combined interaction of relevant circumstances, factors and reasons. It must be noted that criminology defines the causality category as one of its crucial notions due to the fact that criminality and its cause are the main elements of criminological subject and complex research of criminal offence requires identification of maximum number of circumstances defining the content and structure of examined phenomenon. In other words analysis of basic provisions of the criminality cause theories is one of the most relevant issues. But the analysis itself requires preliminary research to be done concerning its evolution through different historic periods (starting from 18th century) in order to define its modern condition. The absence of such type of research stipulates this issue to be analyzed. Nature of criminality cause as social-legal phenomenon has been neglected or rejected for decades in the developed socialism reality. Capitalist and socialist systems provide different approaches to the criminality cause study. It was stated that criminality is reproduced only within the capitalist community and it will never be completely eliminated without disposal of relevant social relationship. Social and economic factors included private property, professional exploitation, unemployment; the main ideological factor stipulated superiority of the individualistic ideology and psychology. These factors were thought to be the most influential ones concerning criminality and completely eliminated by the socialist system. Ideology was considered to be the defining concept. The main causes of criminality were identified as historical background of the social phenomena; discrepancy between conscience and reality which resulted in archaic features of behavior and mentality; influence of antagonist capitalist social system existing synchronously with socialism.