deviance why do people commit deviant acts?. three competing explanations 1. sociobiology 2....
TRANSCRIPT
Deviance
Why do people commit deviant acts?
Three Competing Explanations
1. Sociobiology
2. Psychology
3. Sociology
1. Sociobiology
Having a genetic predisposition to commit deviance (internal) Intelligence – lower intelligence leads to
crime The “XYY” Theory – an extra Y
chromosome in males leads to crime Body type – people with “squarish,
muscular” bodies are more likely to commit crime
Challenges to Sociobiology
Intelligence: The IQ test measures
middle-class knowledge and values (minority groups and the poor score lower on the test)
These same groups also commit proportionately more crime because they suffer structural disadvantages such as poverty and discrimination.
Challenges to Sociobiology
“XYY” Theory: Most men who commit crimes have the
normal XY chromosomes No women have this combination genes,
therefore this theory cannot apply to females who commit crime
Based on the study of inmates – “Super-male”
Challenges to Sociobiology
Body Type:
Early studies were racially motivated
Criminals exhibit a full range of body types
2. Psychology
Focus on abnormalities within
Personality disorders
Deviating individuals have deviating personalities
Subconscious motives drive people to commit deviant acts
Insanity Plea
The M'Naghten Rule (1843) states a person was not legally insane unless he is "incapable of appreciating his surroundings" because of a powerful mental delusion.
A person who is insane is not capable of forming willful intent.
The defense must prove that there is a sever mental disease or defect.
3. Sociology
Search for factors outside the individual
Such as Socialization Subculture
membership Social class
Socialization Farrington and West traced the development of
411 working-class London boys Their teachers identified some as particularly
difficult and aggressive. Social workers visited the homes of the boys in
1961 1974 boys were labeled as criminal or
noncriminal Families were quarrelsome, provided little
supervision, and/or included a parent with a criminal record.
Parental cruelty
Subculture Membership
Gangs
Drug users Requiem for a
Dream
Other Deviant groups
Social Class
Cycle of Poverty
Street crimes