Contemporary Criminology CLN4U

Nature vs Nurture Theories of criminology generally fall into one of two categories Biological Theories Criminal are “born” Sociological Theories Criminals are “made”

Sociological Theories Place emphasis on environmental factors (upbringing, peers, environment, etc.) Examples: Strain Theory Socialization Theory Social Conflict Theory

Strain Theory People commit crimes when they see no legitimate way to achieve their goals Explains why there is more crime among the economically disadvantaged

Socialization Theory Upbringing, peer groups, role models influence criminal behaviour A deviant’s sense of what is normal behaviour is skewed

Social Conflict Theory Marxist influence: capitalism creates disparity, which creates crime Not necessarily always “rich vs poor”, but more accurately “the powerful vs the powerless” Theories that examine oppression based on gender, race, etc. and its effect on crime are also Social Conflict theories

Biological Theories Most criminologists in this area agree that biology alone does not create a criminal They see it as an interaction between certain inherited traits and the environment

Biological Trait Theory Certain traits that are believed to be inherited may predispose criminality Intelligence Personality Genetic makeup Also looks at environmental factors that affect biology Diet (see the “twinkie defence”) Influence of hormones, especially androgens Prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol

The Twinkie Defence The expression derives from the 1979 trial of Dan White, a former San Francisco, police officer and firefighter, and until just before the crime, a city district Supervisor. On November 27, 1978, White assassinated Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. At the trial, psychiatrist Martin Blinder testified that White had been depressed at the time of the crime, and pointed to several behavioral changes indicating White's depression: he had quit his job; he shunned his wife; and although normally clean-cut, he had become slovenly in appearance. White had previously been a fitness fanatic and health food advocate, but had begun consuming junk food and sugar-laden soft drinks like Coca-Cola. As an incidental note, Blinder mentioned theories that elements of diet could worsen existing mood swings. The fact that White had killed Moscone and Milk was not challenged, but the defense successfully convinced the jury that White's capacity for rational thought had been diminished; the jurors found White incapable of the premeditation required for a murder conviction, and instead convicted him of voluntary manslaughter. Public protests over the verdict led to the White Night Riots.

Neurophysiological Theories Certain neurological dysfunctions are related to criminal behaviour If this is true, then proper medications may be able to correct dysfunction, and therefore criminality Supported by studies of twins