Study Document
Criminology Theories Biological Theory of Crime the Capstone Project
Pages:3 (848 words)
Sources:3
Subject:Crime
Topic:Criminology
Document Type:Capstone Project
Document:#39951858
Criminology Theories
Biological Theory of Crime
The biological or bio-physiological theory of crime regards human behavior in general and of deviance and criminality in particular as mainly the result of internal states of mind (Schmalleger, 2009). More specifically, the biological perspective, as it was originally detailed in the 19th century by Cesare Lombroso, emphasized the role of heredity in conjunction with the (then) new concept of Darwinian Evolution also in conjunction with the principles of heredity by Gregor Mendel. That approach to understanding crime was called Atavism, meaning "from the father," to reflect the idea that behavior was largely a function of the genetics passed down from each generation to subsequent generations (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2008; Schmalleger, 2009).
According to biological perspective, criminal (an other) behavior patterns are attributable to inherent differences in brain structure, neurophysiology, neuro-chemical processes, and to hormonal and other endocrinal differences among different individuals (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2008; Schmalleger, 2009). For example, traits such as aggressiveness, impulsiveness, greed, and violent impulses are all aspects of behavior to which individuals who commit crimes are naturally predisposed simply because those traits run in their families in every generation (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2008; Schmalleger, 2009).
At the time of its first proposal, atavism was linked directly to supposed externally-identifying criteria such as the shape and dimensions of the face and cranium (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2008; Schmalleger, 2009). This was the principal flaw in the original biological perspective of criminology. Since then, the field of bio-physiology has developed much more scientifically and now includes concepts of biological variation that are legitimately related to differences in human behavior. On the other hand, contemporary versions of the biological perspective emphasize the fact that biology is only one component of many that contribute to human behavior and criminality (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2008; Schmalleger, 2009).
Sociological Theory of Crime
The sociological theory of crime regards human behavior in general and of deviance and criminality in particular as mainly the result of external environment and manner in which social experiences and status relate to group and individual perspective and behavior (Macionis, 2006; Schmalleger, 2009). More specifically, the sociological theory of crime includes concepts such as anomie, proposed by 19th century theorist Emile Durkheim, and strain theory, proposed by Robert Merton and later revised by Robert Agnew (Agnew, 1992; Broidy, 2001). According to those theories (respectively), deviant and criminal behavior are substantially the result of the response of individuals to their dissatisfaction and alienation from their society, the strain caused by the inability to achieve those goals that are promoted…
Sample Source(s) Used
References
Agnew, R. "Foundation for a General Strain Theory." Criminology, Vol. 30, No. 1
(1992): 47-87.
Broidy, L. "Test of General Strain Theory." Criminology, Vol. 39,
No. 1 (2001): 9-35.
Related Documents
Study Document
Criminology the History of Crime
Though the Positivist thinking does not contradict the beliefs toward human nature, it does argue that the majority of crimes that are of a serious degree are attributed to people whom have failed to the civilized norms of modern society (PSC, 2004). In sum, the beliefs that invoked by criminal behavior have differed throughout time as much as the varying degree of crimes that we have seen through history. Sociologically
Study Document
Crime Sociological Perspective Stand Point Theories Crime Society Today...
Crime Theories and Sociology Crime theories and sociological perspective Crime is an overt omission or action through which a person breaks the law, hence the action is punishable and the person may be convicted in the court of law for the said action. It is the subject of great debate in sociology and criminology that what constitutes crime. Since deviation from law has to be considered as crime, the nature and context
Study Document
Criminology - Theory Understanding Crime
Certainly, the reason that some individuals become criminals has to do with biological predisposition, particularly in the case of many crimes of violence. On the other hand, circumstances, greed, desperation, and opportunity also play an undeniable role in many crimes. Social class and exposure to deviant subcultures also contributes to criminal behavior (Henslin, 2002; Macionis, 2003), but even so, those risk factors do not affect everyone the same; therefore,
Study Document
Criminology Theories
Criminology Crime differences between Japan and U.S. Crime is the act of breaking the law and involves the commission of a forbidden act or rather the neglect of a duty commanded by the law. It results into punishment to the offenders. Japan is a society with secular values and low crime rate based on the cultural beliefs and practices. The cultural contradictions found between Japan and U.S. influence the differences in the
Study Document
Classical Criminology Theory. The Author Will Apply
classical criminology theory. The author will apply the theory of the Lacassagne School which combines Durkheim's determinism plus biological factors. This applies to contemporary criminology in the case of recidivist situations where a criminal will not or can not be reformed. In the opinion of the author, this theory supports a social responsibility perspective. In this case, such a criminology theory would explain the behavior of serial killers who
Study Document
Gendered Criminology Theory the Authors
A truly gendered theory would therefore provide a more unified theoretical framework. The gendered theory that the authors suggest has four key elements. These are the following. Male as well as female criminal behavior should be able to be explained by the theory. This is achieved through the understanding of the he organization of gender. For example, the organization "... deters or shapes delinquency by females but encourages it by