Introduction to Criminology: Biological Theories

Introduction to Criminology: Biological Theories

• Criminology investigates the causes and consequences of crime. Biological theories suggest inherent factors, rather than environmental influences, are primary drivers of criminal behavior.

Early Biological Theories

• Cesare Lombroso's "criminal anthropology" proposed criminals possessed atavistic (primitive) characteristics, such as large jaws or sloping foreheads.
• This theory, lacking empirical support, sparked interest in biological correlations to crime.
• Ernst Kretschmer linked body types (somatotypes) to personality traits, suggesting certain physiques might predispose individuals to criminality.

Contemporary Biological Theories

• Genetics influences traits like impulsivity, aggression, and abnormal stress responses.
• Twin studies and adoption studies examine the genetic component of criminality. Twin studies compare trait similarity (concordance) in identical and fraternal twins to assess genetic influence. Adoption studies compare criminal records of adopted children with their biological and adoptive parents.
• Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are connected to criminal behavior. Imbalances can lead to mood disorders, impulsivity, or aggression.
• Environmental factors interact with genetic predispositions. Early childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse can cause brain abnormalities and hinder cognitive development, affecting social and emotional regulation, potentially increasing criminal behavior risk.
• Gene-environment interaction is a significant research area, indicating genetic predispositions might increase vulnerability to environmental risk factors.
• Hormones, particularly testosterone levels, are related to aggression, but the relationship is complex and not fully understood.
• Biochemical factors like malnutrition, toxin exposure, or lead poisoning can affect brain development and lead to behavioral issues.

Criticisms of Biological Theories

• Biological theories can oversimplify complex behaviors; they often neglect social and environmental influences, potentially blaming victims or reinforcing biases.
• Biological explanations of behavior can appear deterministic, ignoring free will and agency.
• Some research designs have methodological limitations.

Integration with Other Criminological Theories

• Biological factors interact with social and psychological theories, as a genetic predisposition to aggression can manifest differently based on social environments.
• Integrating multiple perspectives is crucial to understanding crime and creating effective crime prevention strategies.
• An integrated approach considers biological predisposition as one part of a complex picture.
• Sociological theories, examining social structures that contribute to crime, offer alternative explanations.