Discuss The Biological Theories Of Criminology

Humans are born with innate characteristics that are unique to each individual person. These biological qualities can lead individuals to commit crime or engage in criminal behavior more often than others with a different physical or physiological makeup.
Underlying Principle
1. Use scientific concepts to explain and understand criminal behavior in humans
2. Physical and physiological traits can contribute to behavior that is antisocial
3. The combination of biology and science are fundamental
Major Contributors and their Contributions:
• Biological Positivism- J.K. Lavater- relationship of common facial features and bumps on the brain in connection to criminal behaviors
• Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909) “Born Criminals”- chronic or persistent
offenders; individuals have traits that evidence themselves into physical characteristics called atavistic anomalies, such as strong jaw or canine teeth, referring to animalistic tendencies o Biological determinism- indirect or direct heredity o Criminal anthropology- bio basis of crime measurement o William Sheldon- somatotype build- mesomorphs, endomorphs, ectomorphs
• Biochemical - bio factors chemically alter genetics that can predispose person to crime; teratogens such as smoking, drinking, diet, hormones, allergies, chemicals can play an impact on biological factors that affect development.
• Neurological - study brain activity and relationship between criminal behaviors from direct or indirect association and interactive cause and how it affects brain related disorders. Attempted explanation of behavior that doesn’t have any other cause. o ADHD, learning disabilities, brain injuries
• Arousal Theory- Adrian Raine- deficient or oversaturated arousal levels can be the cause of antisocial or criminal behavior to stimulate their heart rate
• Genetic Theory- criminal behavior is inherited from parental lineage and genetic abnormalities; evaluated through sibling similarities, twin studies, adoption cases
• Evolution Theory- J Philippe Rushton- Race, Evolution, and Behavior- the process of evolution over the years can be attributed to varied crime rates between different races and genders; evidenced in levels of aggression across species and time o R/K Selection Theory- reproductive drives vary depending on scale and can contribute to criminal behavior o Cheater Theory-parents who are lowly attached can be traced to individuals who are found to be involved in extra-marital affairs or antisocial acts
Student Assessment:
In evaluation of the biological theories within the field of criminology, there are a variety of different thoughts that contribute to the school that attempt to explain criminal behavior.
Lombroso focuses on physical characteristics of criminals and how common qualities can be seen across chronic offenders. Lombroso also theorized on being a “born criminal” where an individual is born as a criminal and unable to change from that mold. While I believe these theories are interesting and worth further exploration, I do not believe that physical traits, such as strong jaw or facial features and canine teeth can be considered a common trait across all career criminals. Putting this into context, one could compare two individuals who have completely different physical profiles and teeth structure but still both be career criminals. Biochemical theory contemplates the idea that environmental teratogens affect the biological make up of an individual. Essentially, the theory states that factors such as diet, chemicals, and even activities like smoking can affect the genetic makeup. These genetic alterations can predispose an individual to make criminal choices or perform antisocial behaviors according to the believers of this theory. Of all the theories discussed, I consider this theory to be one of the strongest because there are so many ways environmental factors could influence biology and behaviors. It is scientifically proven that smoking, alcohol, diets, and other chemicals can negatively affect the development of a child. It is logical to theorize that these alterations could go as far as to contribute to unexplainable, antisocial type actions. Going along with the strength of the biochemical theory, I also believe the neurological theory has strength and support as it uses unique brain structures and abnormalities to justify otherwise unexplainable criminal behavior. The biggest downfall of both the biochemical and neurological theories is not all individuals
affected by one of these factors have turned to criminal behavior. Lastly, evolution theory attempts to explain the difference in behavior as the biology of humans has continued to evolve over the course of time. Theorists, like Rushton, believe that humans have become more aggressive over time and attribute it to the evolutionary process of advanced human development. While I do believe humans have become more aggressive or violent in the harshness of crimes, we don’t have strong scientific support or evidence that humans weren’t as aggressive or more hundreds of years ago. In addition, this theory lack strength compared to the other ones because crime rates have fluctuated across time. Keeping in mind the rise and fall of crime rates, it doesn’t exactly support the theory since evolution is a seemingly linear process.