2.1 Flashcards
(12 cards)
what do biological theories of crime suggest?
Criminals are born, not made. Crime is linked to biology, genetics, and brain structure.
What is the XYY theory? What were the findings?
Genetic explanation for criminal behaviour.
An extra Y chromosome may cause criminal behaviour- Extra Y chromosome means higher production of testosterone, linked to aggression.
Jacob found an increased aggression in males with the extra Y chromosome. Labelled them “super males”
He found that 15/1000 criminals had the XYY
whereas in normal society only 1/1000 had XYY
What are the strengths of the XYY theory?
Empirical Evidence – This is a strength because the study used scientific methods to analyze biological data rather than relying on speculation. This made the findings more reliable.
Highlighted a genetic link to aggression- helped researchers consider biological influences on behaviour
Large Sample Size – A larger sample size increases reliability because it reduces the likelihood of random results. Comparing prisoners with the general population also helped identify differences in XYY prevalence.
supported by Adler
What are the weaknesses for the XYY theory?
ignores environmental factors i.e. upbringing. Having XYY can make you appear different which could lead to bullying or marginalization.
Theory can’t explain all men who show aggression or commit crime
doesn’t explain female criminality
limited generalisability due to it being a rare occurrence
What was Lombroso’s theory?
Atavism. Some people were “born criminals”. A predisposition to offend showing atavistic characteristics. He believed these features were signs of a more primitive evolutionary stage, making them biologically different.
What are some of the criminal characteristics Lombroso identified?
-Excessive wrinkles
-large jaw bone
-high cheekbones
-heavy brow
-large ears
-long arms
-flat nose
-facial asymmetry
What are the weaknesses of Lombroso’s theory?
-Not everyone with atavistic features is a criminal, and not all criminals have atavistic features(40%). Not reliably an explanation for criminality. weakens validity.
-Ethical issues – His ideas reinforced racist and discriminatory stereotypes, as some of the features he identified (e.g., nose shape, skin color) were associated with certain ethnic groups.
-Extremely deterministic- idea that theory assumes people who are criminal can’t escape their destiny of being a criminal.
-poor methodology- lacking scientific validity. Lack of a control group meaning criminals features can’t be compared to those that aren’t criminal.
What are the strengths of Lombroso’s theory?
-Gave the first scientific credibility to criminology, linking biology to criminality- inspiring future research
- introduced the idea of criminal profiling, which is vital for forensic psychologists, by assuming people with certain characteristics/behaviours are more likely to commit crimes.
-Recognised different types of criminals- born criminals, criminaloids from environmental factors, occasional criminals due to circumstances
- Supported by Sheldon and Goring’s theory suggesting biological link to criminality
What was Sheldon’s theory?
Humans were said to fit 3 body types,which he named somatotypes, and link to the individuals personality. He linked one body type to be more likely to commit crime.
What are the three somatotypes Sheldon labelled?
Endomorph- plump, softer bodies: extroverted, cheerful, lazy, relaxed.
Ectomorph- slender, low muscle mass, tall: sensitive, shy, quiet
Mesomorph- muscular, wide shoulders, large bone structure: Assertive, outgoing, active, competitive, fearless
