- What are the central assumptions of biological theories of crime?
The central assumptions of biological theories of crime are founded on the belief that some people are born criminals. The theory of deviance postulated by Cesare Lombroso developed the idea that criminals have distinct physical characteristics. Other biological theories of crime also associate criminal behavior to hormones, neurotransmitters, autonomic and central nervous system functions.
- What have research studies in the field of genetics had to say about possible causes of crime?
Researches and criminology treatises are exploring the various aspects by which genetics can influence the development of deviant behavior resulting to crimes. Pedigree studies demonstrated that genetic influences on traits associated to deviant behavior vary between 35 to 75 percent (Ellis, Beaver and Wright 180) and that aggressive behavior may be influenced by a person’s genetic makeup. Moreover, theorists postulated that genetic influences alone cannot influence behaviors that are associated to criminality but correlate it to substantial environmental influences. Twin studies regarding the genetic influences to criminal behavior yield evidence that genetically-mediated environmental factors play a major role in influencing criminal behaviors.
- Are high blood levels of testosterone linked to criminality?
Yes. Researchers associate high level of testosterone in criminality. This was evidenced by a study conducted among adult male prisoners. The research result indicated that the high level of testosterone is prevalent among prisoners who committed sex crimes and violence as compared to those incarcerated for property offenses and drug crimes.
- Why have biological approaches to crime causation encountered stiff criticism?
The most prevalent reason for criticizing the biological approaches to crime causation is due to poor methodologies employed in the research studies with very a few evidentiary supports to the biological theory of crimes. Some critics are also raising the issue that using biological approach in the study of criminality can result in the abstract labeling of criminal behavior to persons with the genetic attributes associated to crimes instead of describing criminals based on their actual behavior.
- What is sociobiology? How do sociobiologists explain criminality?
Sociobiology is a system of studies on the biological basis influencing social behavior. This field of study investigates social behaviors correlating it to genetics. Sociobiologists explain criminal behavior as being primarily influenced by genes and associating its effects on human aggressive behavior.
- What are the social policy implications of biological theories of crime?
The implication of biological theories of crime to social policy is that it may result to a bias labeling on people as criminals for showing related biological features that are attributable to deviant behavior. This dispositional bias may adversely cause an ineffective formulation of social policies that may cause discrimination among people who may be inappropriately labeled with the tendency towards criminality owing to their genetic dispositions.
Reference:
Lee Ellis, Kevin Beaver and John Wright. “Handbook of Crime Correlates.” New York: Elsevier. 2009.
