Biology and Crime From Lombroso to Modern Biosocial Theories

Early Biological Positivism zContext: zExample yLombroso’s “Born Criminal” xCriminals as “atavistic throwbacks” xIdentified through presence of “stigmata” Peaked nose (as bird of prey) Sloped forehead, large jaws Strong canine teeth (as with carnivores) General hairiness of the body

The demise of early positivism 1. Poor theory ySingle biological trait as direct cause of crime. 2. Poor/biased research yCrime runs in families 3. Dangerous policy implications yEugenics movement Largely discredited by Sociologists by 1950.

Assumptions of a Biological Basis for Criminality zBehavior = biology/genes x environment zIndividuals not born “equal” z“Social learning” and “Socialization” have a biological basis

Modern Biosocial Theories zBiochemical Conditions yNutrition, exposure to toxins, hormonal, excessive sugar… yDirect cause: sugar  attention/impulsive yIndirect causs: exposure to lead  impaired learning, cognition  school failure  delinquency

Neurophysiologial Factors zWhat factors can determine brain functioning? zHow do we measure brain functioning? zHow does brain functioning relate to criminal or deviant behavior?

Terrie Moffit’s Biosocial Theory zBiology ySome children have slight neurophysiological deficits x“Difficult temperament” xSlow to learn, difficult to parent xADD, chilhood conduct disorder zEnvironments ySome parents are poorly equipped to handle such a child yLack of resources, lack of parenting skills

Is Criminality Inherited? KEY IS SEPARATING “NATURE” AND “NURTURE” zParental Deviance zTwin Studies zAdoption Studies

Parental Deviance zParent’s crime and deviance is a robust predictor of the child’s delinquency zDue to genetics, or other factors? yDeviant parents more likely to use harsh/erratic discipline, less supervision? yDeviant parents live in bad neighborhoods? yDeviant parents abuse children?

Twin Studies zCompare MZ twins with DZ twins zConcordance rates = if one twin is criminal, is the other? zDanish Study (Christiansen, 1979) yMZ=52% yDZ=22%

Adoption Studies zCompare the two sets of parents that an adopted youth has. yBiological parents  genetics yAdoptive parents  social circumstance zFindings? Appears as though there is a weak genetic influence.

SUMMARY OF BIOLOGY zModern biological theories of crime all incorporate sociological or psychological concepts. zBiology tends to relate to crime in an indirect fashion--and with the environment. yExample: Caspi’s research on female criminality (biological maturation x social environment).