Chapter 5

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Biological Roots of Criminal Behavior

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Biological TheoriesCriminal AnthropologyCriminal Anthropology

The scientific study of the relationship between human physical characteristics and criminality

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Held that the shape of the skull was indicative of an individual’s personality and…

Biological TheoriesPhrenology (Craniology)Phrenology (Craniology)

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…could be used to predict criminal behavior

Biological TheoriesPhrenology (Craniology)Phrenology (Craniology)

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PositivismPositivism

Atavism: Criminality wasseen as the result ofprimitive urges which, in throwbacks,…

Biological Theories

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(Cesare Lombroso)

Biological Theories

…survived the evolutionary process

PositivismPositivism

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Body TypesBody Types

Constitutional theories explain criminality by reference to offender’s body type…

Biological Theories

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Biological TheoriesBody TypesBody Types

…genetics, or external observable physical characteristics

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BiocriminologyBiocriminology

Links violent or disruptive behavior to eating habits, vitamin deficiencies,…

Chemical Theories

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…genetic inheritance, and other conditions affecting the body

Chemical TheoriesBiocriminologyBiocriminology

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Environmental Precursors

Studies of environmental toxins as causes of crime and deviance

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Toxic pollutants (lead, manganese), may cause learning disabilities, an increase in aggressive behavior, and loss of control over impulsive behavior

Environmental Precursors

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Pre-natal exposure to alcohol, nicotine and marijuana may be linked to aggression and hyperactivity later in life

Environmental Precursors

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Hormones and Criminality

• Testosterone is linked to aggression

• Premenstrual syndrome is linked to loss of self control, irritability and aggression© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Weather and CrimeResearchers have found no correlation between criminal behavior and • Sunshine • Humidity • Barometric Pressure • Wind Speed, or • Rainfall…

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…but found a definite positive correlation between temperature and violent crime

Weather and Crime

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Genetics and CrimeCriminal FamiliesCriminal Families

• The Juke Family

• The Kallikak Family

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Eugenic CriminologyEugenic Criminology

The root causes of criminality were largely passed from generation to generation in the form of “bad genes”

Genetics and Crime

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• Defective delinquents

• Cacogenic or “bad- gened” families

Genetics and CrimeEugenic CriminologyEugenic Criminology

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XYY “Supermale”XYY “Supermale”

• Taller than average male

• Suffers from acne or skin disorders

Genetics and Crime

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• Less than average intelligence

• Over-represented in prisons and mental hospitals

Genetics and CrimeXYY “Supermale”XYY “Supermale”

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Chromosomes and Modern- Day Criminal FamiliesChromosomes and Modern- Day Criminal Families

An isolated gene and the enzyme monoamineoxidase A (MAOA) islinked to criminal tendencies

Genetics and Crime

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Behavioral GeneticsBehavioral Genetics

The study of genetic and environmental contributions to individual variations in human behavior

Genetics and Crime

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• The Human Genome Project

• Behavioral genetic determinism

Genetics and CrimeBehavioral GeneticsBehavioral Genetics

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Sociobiology

The systematic study of the biological basis of all social behavior

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The primary determinant of behavior is the need to ensure survival and continuity of genetic material from one generation to the next

Sociobiology

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Sociobiology

Territoriality and tribalism also contribute to violence and aggression

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Crime and Human Nature

Factors that contribute to crimeFactors that contribute to crime

• Gender – Crime has been predominantly male behavior

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Crime and Human Nature

Factors that contribute to crimeFactors that contribute to crime

• Age – In general, the tendency to break the law declines throughout life

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• Body type – A disproportionate number of criminals have a mesomorphic (muscular) build

Crime and Human Nature

Factors that contribute to crimeFactors that contribute to crime

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Crime and Human Nature

Factors that contribute to crimeFactors that contribute to crime

• Intelligence – Criminality is said to be clearly and consistently associated with low intelligence

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• Personality –Violent criminals are typicallyaggressive, impulsive,and cruel

Crime and Human Nature

Factors that contribute to crime:Factors that contribute to crime:

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