Theories of Criminal Behaviour PDF

Theories of Criminal Behaviour HSP3U Biological Roots of Criminal Behavior  Principles of Biological Theories The brain controls how we think and feel, and it shapes who we are as individuals. Human behavior is largely influenced by our genetic and biological traits The basic determinant...

Theories of Criminal Behaviour HSP3U Biological Roots of Criminal Behavior  Principles of Biological Theories The brain controls how we think and feel, and it shapes who we are as individuals. Human behavior is largely influenced by our genetic and biological traits The basic determinants of human behavior may be passed on from generation to generation Many human behaviors are based on natural instincts, just like those of other living creatures. The combination of genetics, biology, and the social environment is key to understanding why crime happens. Early Biological Theories Lombroso in 1876 argued that the criminal is a separate species, a species that is between modern and primitive humans. He argued that the physical shape of the head and face determined the "born criminal". Lombroso ◻ Lombroso studied and measured the bodies of executed and deceased offenders as well as examining living inmates to locate physical differences or abnormalities ◻ Claimed to have found a variety of bodily features predictive of criminal behavior ▪ Long arms, large teeth, ears lacking lobes, lots of body hair ◻ Also identified characteristics of particular types of offenders Early Biological Theories Constitutional Theories William Sheldon (1940’s) ◻Used body measurement techniques to connect body type with personality and outlined four basic body types and associated temperaments and personalities William Sheldon (1940s) People could be classified into three body shapes, which correspond with three different personality types. 1. endomorphic (fat and soft) tend to be sociable and relaxed. 2. ectomorphic (thin and fragile) are introverted and restrained 3. mesomorphic (muscular and hard) tend to be aggressive and adventurous. Sheldon, using a correlational study, found that many convicts were mesomorphic, and they were least likely to be ectomorphic Body Types Modern Biological Theories Focused on: o Biochemical (diet, hypoglycemia, hormones, environmental exposure) o Neurophysiological (brain dysfunction) o Evolutionary theories  o Hormones and criminality o Testosterone o Male sex hormone linked Modern to aggression o Research has shown a Biological relationship between high Theories: blood testosterone levels and increase male Hormones aggression o Low brain levels of serotonin  o Genetics and Crime: XYY Supermale o Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes Modern o The last pair determines gender Biological o Males: XY pair o Females: XX pair Theories: o A study of Scottish prisoners found Genetics that a small number had an XYY chromosome. o These were identified as potentially violent and labeled “supermale” Modern o Criminal Families o criminal families Biological appeared to show Theories: criminal tendencies through several Criminal generations Families  o Weather and Crime o Temperature is the only weather variable consistently and reliably related to crime o Positive correlation between Modern temperature and violent crime o Moderated by factors such as Biological time of day, day of week and Theories: season. Cohn and Rotton (2000) have found temperature Weather to be related to crimes such as assault, property offenses, domestic violence and disorderly conduct Modern  Chemical and environmental precursors of crime (nutrition, Biological eating habits, and Theories: environmental contaminants related to violent and/or Environmen disruptive behavior) tal Psychologic al Approach to the Study of Crime Psychologic al Perspective s on Criminality Psychoanalytic Theory o Sigmund Freud (1856–1939): One can understand human behavior best by examining early childhood experiences. o Criminality is linked to guilt feelings (unresolved oedipal and Electra complexes). Sigmund Freud (1856- 1939) o Human behaviour is governed by primitive urges of the ID. o ID requires repression which results in formation of Ego and Superego. Freudian Explanations of Delinquency Human nature is inherently antisocial ◻Id: infants start life with antisocial drives ◻Superego: forms from experience ◻Ego: helps to negotiate demands for instant gratification with acceptable behavior Psychoanalytic Interpretations 3 Main principles of psychodynamic theory when applied to delinquent + criminal behaviour are: Delinquent behavior These inadequacies in These faulty can be traced to faulty turn make it impossible relationships result in relationships in the for the child to control inadequate ego and family during the first later delinquent superego development years of life impulses  oJohn Bowlby (1946) studied 44 juvenile delinquents and compared them with non-criminal disturbed juveniles. o39% of the delinquents had Freudian experienced complete separation from their mothers for six-months Approach or more during the first five years of their lives compared with 5% of the control group. o Early maternal deprivation was causally related to delinquent behaviour Erik Erikson (1902-84) Stage theorist. During adolescence identity vs. role confusion stage may result in identity crisis. Out-of-control behaviours (e.g. drug experimentation) reflect identity crisis. Cognitive Theory Cognitive Theory o Humans’ ability to engage in complex thoughts influences behavior o Cognitions (like behaviors) can be learned o Focus on o Cognitive structure (how people think) o Cognitive content (what people think)  Cognitive Structure o Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning: humans advance through predictable stages of moral reasoning o Delinquency is not synonymous with immoral behaviour o The reasoning of higher moral stages is less likely to fit in with a criminal lifestyle o Justification for violating the law can be found at all stages  o Stage 1 o Right is blindly obeying those with power and authority. o Emphasis is on avoiding punishment. Kohlberg’s o Interests of others are not considered. o Stage 2 Stages of o Right is furthering one’s own interests. Moral o Interests of others are important only as a way to satisfy self-interests. Develoment o Stage 3 o Moral reasoning is motivated by loyalties to others and a desire to live up to other’s standards.  o Stage 4 o Right is following the rules of society and maintaining important social institutions (e.g., family, community). Kohlberg’s o Stage 5 o Moral decisions are made by Stages of weighing individual rights against legal principles and the common Moral good. o Stage 6 Develoment o Moral decisions are based on universal principles (e.g., human dignity, desire for justice). o Principles are considered across different contexts and are independent of the law.  Moral Development and Criminality Research shows that o Criminals tend to be in stages 1 and 2. o Non-criminals are in higher stages. o People in lower stages fear punishment. o People in middle stages fear reaction of family and friends. o People in highest stages believe in duty to others, universal rights.  Rationalizations or denials that support criminal behavior For example, a criminal thinks, “I’m not really hurting anyone.” Cognitive Criminals are more likely to express such thoughts, but the relationship Content (causation or correlation) to crime is unclear. Extremely common for sex offenders