E1b1 Comparing Theories of CriminalityHOW THE BIOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL REASONS FOR CRIME CAN BE COMPARED

HOW THE REASONS FOR CRIMINALITY RELATE TO THE NATURE – NURTURE DEBATE

Biological causes of crime Social causes of crime

Focus in how we are born criminal Focus on how we are made criminal

We inherit the genes that cause criminal behaviour Being brought up in a family that makes criminal behaviour more likely

Criminal behaviour runs in some families The size and structure of our family can cause criminal behaviour

Adoption studies show how crime can be inherited Separation form parents can cause distress and mistrust that can affect later development

XYY chromosome abnormality may cause aggression in males, leading to violent crime

The self-fulfilling prophecy explains how behaviourcan be influenced by the way we are treated and expected to behave.

This theory is weakened by the confusion between genetics and upbringing in twin and family studies

The theory cannot separate the influence of many social factors that influence criminality, such as peers and experiences

Chromosome research is limited, as only small samples have been gathered and studied

People often rebel against how they are treated by others; they do not fulfil the prophecies that are made

The nature-nurture debateNature of criminality◦ The biological side argues that criminal behaviour is inherited through our genes.

◦ This means that if a family member is criminal we are more likely to be criminal ourselves.

◦ Or alternatively◦ Criminal behaviour is caused by chromosome abnormality the XYY gene pattern.

Nurture of criminality◦ Our upbringing causes criminal behaviour.

◦ Refers to family patterns such as divorce and family size or lack of parental supervision that can lead to crime.

◦ Links to how we are raised and child rearing strategies.

◦ The idea of self fulfilling prophecy – the way others treat us affects our behaviour.

ConclusionBoth sides present evidence for a biological or social cause for criminal behaviour.

However if it is the result of genetics or upbringing, is not really understood.

Often research focusses on one aspect and ignores the other, only looks at one side of the story.

We should consider both sides the social and the biological.

Could have a criminal gene but raised in a loving family.

Not all criminals have criminal families, or have been raised in large families or physically punished as children.

Safer to sayTalk about having a biological tendency or social vulnerability to criminal behaviour.

This means we are more likely to turn to crime if criminal behaviour runs in the family or as a result of how we were raised, but it does not mean it is inevitable.

Answer questions 1 and 2 on page 175