unit two - ac2.1

Question 1

what are genetic theories?

Answer 1

genetic theories relate to chromosome abnormalities, criminality as inherited

Question 2

what are physiological theories?

Answer 2

focus on criminals physical characteristics

Question 3

what is the XYY theory - biological theory

Answer 3

• genetic condition wehre a male has an extra Y chromosome
• called ‘supermales’ suggested to be more aggressive and inclined to violence
• theory based on studies of imprisoned criminals where a higher than average population were found to have XYY syndrome

Question 4

what is twin studies - biological theory

Answer 4

• idea that some people may be more genetically pre-disposed to criminal behaviour from inherited genes
• study of 3,586 twins in denmark
• 52% concordance rate between MZ twins
• 22% concordance rate between DZ twins

Question 5

what are adoption studies - biological theory

Answer 5

• compares adopted children to their biological birth parents and adopted parents
• examined data of over 14000 adopted sons in Denmark found a 20% concordance rate if a birth parent had a criminal record
• found a 14.7% concordance rate if their adoptive parent had a criminal record

Question 6

what is lombroso’s theory - biological theory

Answer 6

• criminals were physically different from non-criminals
• concluded that criminals had enormous jaws, high cheek bones, handle-shaped ears, prominent eyebrow arches, exceptionally long arms, large eye sockets and extremely acute eyesight
• murderers have ‘aquiline’ noses, bloodshot eyes, curly hair
• thieves had flattened noses
• sex offenders had thick lips + protuding ears
• atavism

Question 7

what is sheldons somatotypes theory - biological theory

Answer 7

• believed certain body types are linked to criminal behaviour
• endomorphs, rounded soft and tending to fat lacking muscle or tone with wide hips, sociable, relaxed, comfortable and outgoing
• ectomorphs, thin and fragile lacking both fat and muscle, flat-chested, narrow hips and shoulders, thin face and high forehead, self concious, fragile, inward looking, emotionally restrained and thoughtful
• mesomorphs, muscular, hard bodied, very little fat, strong limbs, broad shoulders and narrow waist, adventurous, sensation-seeking, assertive and domineering, enjoy physical activity, most likely to engage in crime