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BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS (ATAVISTIC FORM (An early biological explanation…
BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS
ATAVISTIC FORM
An early biological explanation which proposed criminals are sub-species of genetic throwbacks. They are distinguishable by particular facial features.
LOMBROSO developed the theory of BORN CRIMINALS.
- unusual size or shape of head
- strange eyes
- facial asymmetry
- extended jaw and jaw bone
- too big or too small ears
- full lips leaned forward
- abnormal teeth
- wrinkled skin
Based his theory on post-mortem examinations of criminals and studying faces of living criminals. In one study found of 383 convicted Italian criminals, 21% had 1 trait and 43% had at least 5
Moved on to distinguish 3 types of criminals
- BORN- the atavistic type
- INSANE- suffering mental illness
- CRIMINALOIDS- people whose mental characteristics predisposed them to crime under certain circumstances
EVALUATION
-- lack of control. He didn't pay much attention to non-prisoners. GORING (1913) compared 300 convicts with non-convicts and found no significant difference except that convicts were slightly smaller.
-- GORING (1913) concluded there was no evidence of a physical facial difference. He did conclude that criminals generally did have a lower IQ. This suggests that evidence is mixed and physical characteristics are not a full explanation
-- Was also criticised for gender bias. He believed women were less evolved than men. Said they were jealous and insensitive to pain as well as having a low IQ. This therefore made them less likely to be criminals. Those who were criminal were seen to have masculine traits. Lombroso didn't even use women in his study which suggests his ideas cant be generalised.
-- Additionally Lombroso has been criticised for scientific racism. He identified characteristics such as curly hair and dark skin as typical characteristics of a criminal. These are likely to be found in African people.
GENETIC EXPLANATION
Suggests that offenders inherit a combination of genes that predispose them to crime. Twin studies are used to investigate this by comparing MZs with DZs or looking ar MZs that have been separated.
LANG (1930) investigated 13 MZ and 17 DZ twins where one had served in prison. 10 of MZs and 2 DZs had co-twin in prison.
May also be candidate gene involved in offending. 2 genes have been identified
- MAOA- responsible for controlling dopamine and serotonin. Been linked to aggressive behaviour
- CDH13- Has been linked to substance abuse and attention deficit disorder
TIIHONEN ET AL (2014) analysed 900 offenders and found the 2 genes were involved
DIATHESIS STRESS MODEL
Genes are switched on or off by epigenomes which have been affected by the environment. 1 factor could be abuse or maltreatment in childhood. Another actor could be having criminal role models
EVALUATION
-- problem h use of twin studies. Early research was poorly controlled. They categorised MZs and DZs y physical appearance. My not represent population as twins are brought up in same environment- nature vs nurture?
-- Biological reductionist. States a person born with particular gene will develop certain characteristics. (13x more likely) . Doesn't mean everyone with gene will become criminal. May be other reasons such as nurture.
+_ MEDNICK AT AL (1984) studies 14,000 adoptees found 15% of sons adopted by criminal family went on to become criminal compared to 20% whose bio parents were criminal. This suggests that inherited genes are marginally more significant factor.
NEURAL EXPLANATIONS
Brain abnormalities have been linked to crime. Commonly in the prefrontal cortex as it regulates emotional and moral behaviour.
RAINE (2004) looked at 71 brain imaging studies showing murderers had reduced functioning. Low activity in area has been linked to impulsiveness and loss of control.
Parts of limbic system may also be linked to criminal behaviour. The thalamus and amygdala have been linked to emotion and motivation.
RAINE ET AL (1997) found that murderers found not guilty because of insanity had reduced activity on left side of amygdala and increased activity on right hand side
Neurotransmitters e.g. serotonin may also be involved. Low levels of serotonin are thought to influence criminal behaviour. It also inhibits activity of prefrontal cortex. High and low levels of noradrenaline have also been associated with aggression, criminality and violence.
EVALUATION
-- Although neurotransmitters are linked to crime the relationship is causal. So the abnormal levs may be an effect and not a cause. This is also the case for brain abnormalities. Therefore, there may be an indirect link and so may not be the cause.
+_ Has application enables us to find ways of treating criminal beahaviour.f evelsretonin cause aggressiveness then people in prisons may be put on et to increase level. Alternatively, drugs may be reccomended.
-- Also isues with mehodolog. Firstly, much of research based on animals.In studies aggression not criminal behaviour is measured. This creates issues hen generalising. Animals have less complex brains and emotions that prent them from being comparable to humans.