Non-Sociological Theories - Crime

Question 1

What do biological theories suggest?

Answer 1

There is something in the genetic make-up of criminals that make them turn to crime

Question 2

What did Lombroso suggest?

Answer 2

Criminals have abnormal physical features that distinguish them such as large jaws.

Question 3

What do psychological theories suggest?

Answer 3

• Link criminal behaviour to genetically based personality characteristics such as brain abnormalities
• Others suggest poor relationships with a parent can create maladjusted personalities

Question 4

What are 3 criticisms of non-sociological theories?

Answer 4

1) How can people have biological/psychological disposition to crime if that behaviour involves breaking socially constructed rules
2) Fails to realise most people commit crime or deviance at some stage so how can everyone be different
3) Many theories are based on unrepresentative samples of criminals who have been caught