Psychodynamic Explanation

Question 1

Inadequate Superego

Answer 1

. Part of triparite system
. Formed at end of phallic stage of psychosexual development when child resolves oedipus complex (girls = electra complex)
^ more pressure for boys to identify with same sex parent = castration complex

Blackburn = criminal behaviour is inevitable if superego is deficient or inadequate because ID is given ‘free reign’

Question 2

Weak Superego

Answer 2

If same sex parent is absent during phallic stage, child cannot internalise a fully - formed superego as there is no opportunity for identification

Question 3

Deviant Superego

Answer 3

If superego child internalises has immoral/deviant values this would lead to offending behaviour

Question 4

Over - harsh Superego

Answer 4

Means individual is crippled by guilt and anxiety. May (unconsciously) drive individual to preform criminal acts to fulfil wants of superego

Question 5

Maternal Deprivation Theory

Answer 5

Ability to form meaningful relationships in adulthood was dependent upon child forming monotropic bond and form internal working model

Question 6

Affectionless Psychopathy

Answer 6

Lack of guilt, empathy and feelings for others
Maternally deprived individuals likely to engage in acts of delinquency
^ proved by 44 thieves study, 17/44 thieves described as affectionless psychopaths. 12 had prolonged separation in first 2yrs from mother

Question 7

Evaluation (Weaknesses)

Answer 7

Gender Bias
- no evidence girls develop weaker super- ego due to boys resolving oedipus complex due to castration anxiety
^ 20x more men in prisons in UK

Contradictory Evidence
- little evidence kids raised without same - sex parent are less law abiding if kids are raised by deviant parents, can also be genetics/socialisation

Unconscious Concepts
- Lack of falsifiability, cannot empirically test it