Blackburn
If the superego is somehow deficient or inadequate then criminal behaviour behaviour is inevitable because the id is given ‘free rein’ and not properly controlled. 3 types of inadequate superego have been proposed.
The weak superego
If the same sex parent is absent during the phallic stage, the child cannot internalise a fully formed superego as there is no opportunity for identification. This would make immoral or criminal behaviour more likely.
The deviant superego
If the superego that the child internalises has immoral or deviant values this would lead to offending behaviour.
E.g. a boy raised by a criminal father is not likely to associate guilt with wrongdoing.
The over-harsh superego
(excessively punitive) Individual is crippled by guilt and anxiety. This may (unconsciously) drive the individual to perform criminal acts in order to satisfy the superego’s overwhelming need for punishment.
