Criminological: Biological Explanations Of Crime (XYY Syndrome) Flashcards
How common is XYY syndrome?
1 in 10,000 males born with additional Y chromosome.
What effects does XYY syndrome cause?
No effect on testosterone.
+Taller than average
+Low intelligence
+Impulsive
What is the supporting evidence of XYY syndrome?
Jacobs et al
Conducted a chromosome study of male patients. XYY pattern more commonly found in prisons (15 in 10,000).
What is the opposing evidence of the XYY syndrome explanation of crime?
A meta analysis conducted on 50 years of research revealed no link between XYY syndrome and offending.
Reductionist: environmental factors may affect. Eg: low intelligence= may turn to crime.
How can biological explanations be applied?
New ways to asses culpability in crime.
Increased awareness of brain injury in the criminal justice system and that it should be viewed similarly to mental health disorders.
How does XYY lead to criminal behaviour?
Behavioural problems may lead to impulsivity and criminal behaviour.
What is the gender difference of XYY syndrome?
It’s impossible for women to gain an extra Y syndrome as they only have XX
