STUDY UNIT 2
Learning outcomes:
1. Give a critical exposition of the lifestyle/exposure model of
Hindelang, Gottfredson and Garofalo.
2. Distinguish between the three elements that play a role in
interpersonal crime according to Cohen and Felson.
3. Give an outline of the opportunity model of Cohen, Kleugel and
Land.
4. Based on the shortcomings of the lifestyle/exposure model, the
routine activities theory and the opportunity model, Fattah
developed the differential risk model of criminal victimisation.
Discuss this model in detail.
THE LIFESTYLE/EXPOSURE MODEL OF HINDELANG, GOTTFREDSON
AND GAROFALO
The possibility pf becoming a victim depends on your lifestyle.
Victimisation rates are closely related to demographic characteristics such as
age, gender, marital status and to a lesser extent race and income.
o Offenders are more likely to interact and victimize individuals who have the
same demographic features they have.
Belief that younger people, men and single people that aren’t in relationships are
more vulnerable, as they spend more time outside their homes.
o According to them, your lifestyle determines your vulnerability.
Routine activities are looked at (Going to work, to school, varsity home and what
one does for relaxation).
o Young, single men, and single women go out frequently.
This theory has the belief that being out in public poses a higher risk than
staying at home.
o It also postulates that married couples prefer to stay at home more often
than single, young people.
, The possibility of being victimized depends on how much time you spend with
non-family members.
o Family income is an important determinant of the particular lifestyle of the
individual, as it determines where they live and with whom they interact.
Hindelang identifies certain prerequisites for victimisation to take place:
Offender and victim must meet at a particular time and place.
Offender must regard victim as a suitable object for victimisation.
Offender must be willing and able to use violence or threat of
violence in order to get the desired result.
Offender must see circumstances as advantageous for the use of
violence, or threat of violence.
Important elements of the lifestyle/exposure model include:
Role expectations.
People behave in certain ways and develop lifestyles that are to a
greater or lesser extent conductive to victimisation.
An individual’s social role is determined by their demographic
characteristics which include age, gender, marital status, education and
occupation.
The role expectations women differ from those of men, and for married
and unmarried individuals
The male is still regarded as the breadwinner and head of the household
in most societies.
o They are often seen as more physical strong thus is expected to
ensure safety for the members of the household in the face of
danger.
Women are still often regarded more domestic and is linked to child-
rearing practices.
Structural constraints.
Familial, economic, and legal structures can resist the behavioural
pattern of individuals.
Economic factors might limit the choices available to a person in respect
of residential area, type of leisure activities and access to educational
opportunities.
o Individuals of a higher social class participate in fewer routine
activities that will bring them into contact with offenders.
Learning outcomes:
1. Give a critical exposition of the lifestyle/exposure model of
Hindelang, Gottfredson and Garofalo.
2. Distinguish between the three elements that play a role in
interpersonal crime according to Cohen and Felson.
3. Give an outline of the opportunity model of Cohen, Kleugel and
Land.
4. Based on the shortcomings of the lifestyle/exposure model, the
routine activities theory and the opportunity model, Fattah
developed the differential risk model of criminal victimisation.
Discuss this model in detail.
THE LIFESTYLE/EXPOSURE MODEL OF HINDELANG, GOTTFREDSON
AND GAROFALO
The possibility pf becoming a victim depends on your lifestyle.
Victimisation rates are closely related to demographic characteristics such as
age, gender, marital status and to a lesser extent race and income.
o Offenders are more likely to interact and victimize individuals who have the
same demographic features they have.
Belief that younger people, men and single people that aren’t in relationships are
more vulnerable, as they spend more time outside their homes.
o According to them, your lifestyle determines your vulnerability.
Routine activities are looked at (Going to work, to school, varsity home and what
one does for relaxation).
o Young, single men, and single women go out frequently.
This theory has the belief that being out in public poses a higher risk than
staying at home.
o It also postulates that married couples prefer to stay at home more often
than single, young people.
, The possibility of being victimized depends on how much time you spend with
non-family members.
o Family income is an important determinant of the particular lifestyle of the
individual, as it determines where they live and with whom they interact.
Hindelang identifies certain prerequisites for victimisation to take place:
Offender and victim must meet at a particular time and place.
Offender must regard victim as a suitable object for victimisation.
Offender must be willing and able to use violence or threat of
violence in order to get the desired result.
Offender must see circumstances as advantageous for the use of
violence, or threat of violence.
Important elements of the lifestyle/exposure model include:
Role expectations.
People behave in certain ways and develop lifestyles that are to a
greater or lesser extent conductive to victimisation.
An individual’s social role is determined by their demographic
characteristics which include age, gender, marital status, education and
occupation.
The role expectations women differ from those of men, and for married
and unmarried individuals
The male is still regarded as the breadwinner and head of the household
in most societies.
o They are often seen as more physical strong thus is expected to
ensure safety for the members of the household in the face of
danger.
Women are still often regarded more domestic and is linked to child-
rearing practices.
Structural constraints.
Familial, economic, and legal structures can resist the behavioural
pattern of individuals.
Economic factors might limit the choices available to a person in respect
of residential area, type of leisure activities and access to educational
opportunities.
o Individuals of a higher social class participate in fewer routine
activities that will bring them into contact with offenders.
