Biological explanations theories of criminality Flashcards
What is the Extra Y chromosome by Jacob?
The extra Y chromosome theory is the belief that criminals have an extra Y chromosome, giving them an XYY chromosome makeup rather than XY makeup, that creates a strong compulsion within them to commit crimes. This person is sometimes called the “ super male”. Some studies have found that the proportions of XYY males in the prison population is higher than the general male population however other studies don’t provide evidence that supports this theory. Criticisms include they only represent men.
New theory: what is the adoption study by Mednick et al?
court convictions, found 14,000 adoptees amongst them.
Criminal records of biological and adoptive parents were then investigated.
Many adoptees had criminal biological parents (strong relationship for sons and fathers).
Where there was an improvement in social conditions there was a reduction in crime (going against the genetic explanation)
New theory: what was cesare lombros views?
Lombroso based his study on the inmates of Italian prison. He found that the biological characteristics of the criminals were signs of their inborn criminal nature. They had ‘ enormous jaws’, High cheek bones,low sloping forehead, hawk like noses and fleshy lips. He called these characteristics ‘ throwbacks’.
New theory: what was William Sheldons theory?
Sheldon believed that people could be classified into three body shapes, which correspond with 3 different personality types.
What are the three body types William sheldon said and what personality types do they correspond to?
Endomorphic- described as being relaxed, comfortable, good humoured, sociable and tolerant. Short and round body type/ fat, Difficulty losing weight.
Ectomorphic- described as quiet, artistic, restrained and self-conscious. Usually skinny, tall and weak.
Mesomorphic- described as active, competitive and vigorous. Usually, muscular. Men normally muscular woman are normally hourglass figure.
New theory: what are the twin studies?
Lange studies different types of twins that had been to prison and found out that 10/13 identical twins had both been to prison and 2/17 non identical twins had both been to prison. Monozygotic twins are identical twins and dizygotic twins are non identical, when you compare these two there will be a higher concordance rate.
What are some environmental factors that can contribute to changes in body types over time?
Environmental factors such as age, diet, social trends, alcohol, smoking, and poverty can contribute to changes in body types over time
How does the sociological approach explain the potential link between mesomorphic body types and criminal/deviant behavior?
The sociological approach suggests that mesomorphic body types might be labeled negatively, leading individuals to engage in criminal or deviant behavior as a reaction to societal perceptions.
Despite the focus on mesomorphic body types, why might some individuals with non-mesomorphic body types still engage in criminal behavior?
Some individuals with non-mesomorphic body types might still commit crimes due to various factors such as personal circumstances, psychological factors, or environmental influences unrelated to body type.
What were some positives of William Sheldon’s study?
Some positives of William Sheldon’s study include his use of a large sample size of 200 individuals and his incorporation of a control group for comparison purposes.
How did Sheldon use a control group in his research, and why was it important?
Sheldon used a control group to compare his results with individuals who were not involved in criminal behavior, helping to establish a baseline for comparison and increase the reliability of his findings.
Can you provide an example of another study that supports Sheldon’s theory regarding mesomorphic body types and delinquency ?
Putwain and Summons (2002) found that in their sample of delinquents, 60% were mesomorphs compared to only 31% in their non-delinquent sample, supporting Sheldon’s theory regarding mesomorphic body types and delinquency.
In the study by Putwain and Summons, what was the percentage of mesomorphs among delinquents compared to non-delinquents?
In the study by Putwain and Summons, the percentage of mesomorphs among delinquents was 60%, compared to only 31% in the non-delinquent sample.
