Biological Theories of Crime Flashcards
Theories that share the idea that criminals are biologically different from non-criminals, and this difference causes them to be criminal.
Biological Theories
Claim that certain features of criminals differ from those of non-criminals.
Physiological Theories
Argued that criminals had atavistic features e.g. high cheekbones.
Lombroso
Argued that there were 3 body types (somatotypes), and one is more likely to be criminal.
Sheldon
Thin people, who are solitary and restrained.
Ectomorphs
Fat people, who are relaxed and hedonistic.
Endomorphs
Muscular people, more likely to be criminal because they are energetic and adventurous.
Mesomorphs
Focus on the extent to which people inherit criminal genes.
Genetic Theories
Jacob Et Al - also known as ‘super male syndrome’
XYY Theory
When people have a brain injury that can cause them to change their personality.
Brain Abnormalities
A part of the brain that performs functions such as empathy, insight and fear.
Prefrontal Cortex
They were involved in a work-related incident that caused them to become violent due to the damage to their left frontal lobe tissue.
Phineas Gage
Processes such as sex hormones, blood sugar levels and substance abuse that impact on brain chemistry and mental processes.
Biochemical Causes
Study that explores the idea that if one member of a family has the ‘criminal gene’, other members will have it. This is evidenced by monzygotic twins (identical), as they share exactly the same genes.
Twin Studies
- Alcohol-Related Violence
- Food
- Sex Hormones
Bioochemical Causes of Criminal Behaviour
