ac2.1

• Types of criminological theories

  • Biological
  • Individualistic
  • Sociological
• The basic idea behind all biological theories of criminality is that criminals are biologically different from non-criminals and this difference causes them to commit crime
• Types of biological explanations for criminality

  • Physiological theories focusing on criminals' physical characteristics
  • Genetic theories that see criminality as inherited
  • Brain injuries and disorders that cause people to offend
  • Biochemical explanations involving factors such as hormones in offending
• Physiological theories


  Claim that the physical features of criminals differ from those of non-criminals
• Lombroso's theory: 'born criminals'

  • Criminals were physically different from non-criminals and could be identified by their distinctive physical features
  • Criminals were atavistic, that is, throwbacks to an earlier, primitive stage of evolution
• Sheldon's somatotypes theory


  • Certain body types or 'somatotypes' are linked to criminal behaviour
  • Mesomorphs are the somatotype most likely to engage in crime
• If crime is inborn, as Lombroso claimed, then presumably it is passed down from parent to child
• Twin studies


  Comparing identical and non-identical twins to test for a genetic cause of crime
• Adoption studies


  Comparing adopted children's behaviour to their biological and adoptive parents to test for a genetic cause of crime
• Abnormality of the sex chromosomes, such as XYY syndrome, has been linked to criminality
• Brain injuries


  Rare cases of brain injuries being identified as the cause of criminality
• Brain diseases


  Some brain diseases have been linked with criminal or anti-social behaviour
• Abnormal brainwave activity


  Some studies show abnormal EEG readings among 'clearly insane' murderers and psychopathic criminals
• Biochemical explanations


  Biochemical substances and processes that may cause criminal behaviour due to their effect on brain chemistry and mental processes
• Sex hormones


  Overproduction or underproduction of hormones may cause emotional disturbances that lead to criminal behaviour
• Blood sugar levels


  Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can trigger aggressive reactions
• Substance abuse


  The intake of drugs and other substances, both legal and illegal, has been linked to criminal behaviour
• Other substances we ingest, such as food additives, allergens, vitamin deficiencies and lead pollution, have also been linked with anti-social or criminal behaviour