Evaluate the Social and Biological approaches to explaining criminal behaviour. The biological approach is an approach that explains criminal behaviour by biology. This means that we are born to behave in this particular way. This may include factors like the brain structure, brain function, genes and etc of the participant. The social approach is different to the biological approach.
This theory is known as the “Biosocial Theory”. There are many factors that biosocial theorists believe cause people to commit crime. These include biochemical factors, brain function, genetics and evolutionary factors. Biochemical Factors Biocriminologists believe that minimum levels of chemicals and minerals are required for the brain to function normally. If these chemicals or minerals are deficient then the sufferer is more likely to display physical, mental or behavioural problems.
Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Kama Warren University of Phoenix PSY/250 In defining personality as which does constitute distinction of individuals, Hans (2006), established his major theory that is based upon fundamental elements of the inherited characteristics. He divided genetic aspects of personality into three factors namely introversion-extroversion, neuroticism and psychoticism in regard to individual personality as well as the individual specific disposition and character. Hans (2006) contends that the genetic composition of any individual is monumental to overrule other external influences as a major means in which people form their personality. Moreover, he affirms that unique environment and genes are quite imperative though shared environment is not usually that crucial. In analyzing as well as comparing the humanistic and biological approaches to personality one can result to difference in opinions.
TMA02 Part 1 “What do psychologists mean by ‘theory of mind’? Discuss the claim that theory of mind is an evolved adaptation” Evolutionary psychologists seek the meaning of humanness and what makes us so different from other species. Investigations of evolutionary processes and adaptation that effect each other, lead researchers to the 'theory of mind' which is the ability to comprehend and predict the action and feelings of others. Evidence discussed in this essay will show that investigations and data raised the claim that the theory of mind is an evolved adaptation. However the unreliability of the results makes the claim an ongoing discussion and an open debate.
Labelling theory was developed by Howard Becker, and is primarily concerned with societal reaction to crime; thus straying away from the deviant act and instead looking more closely at how and why certain people become defined as deviant. It suggests deviance is not an inherent act, but instead the result of people negatively labelling those that deviate from the norm. Edwin Lemert put forward a typology of deviance, extremely relevant in terms of highlighting labelling theory. He suggested Primary Deviance was a simple deviant act, not as a result of a label, but instead may result in a label. And Secondary Deviance, he suggested, was the idea criminality is a response to being labelled as deviant.
DESCRIBE AND CRITICALLY EVALUATE ANY BIOLOGICAL THEORY OF VIOLENCE/HOMICIDE One of the main problems faced by criminologists is explaining why certain individuals commit crime and especially violent crime. Biological theories focus on the individual offender, positing an inherent predisposition towards criminality. Theories based on individual positivism fell out of favour in the early 20th century but have seen something of a resurgence in recent years due to the advances in genetics and this essay will explore whether there is a genetic contribution to crime through looking at twin studies. Twin studies involve the comparison of criminality among monozygotic (MZ) or identical twins and dizygotic (DZ) or non identical twins (Brookman, 2005). ‘Whereas MZ twins are identical in hereditary endowment, DZ twins are no more alike genetically than common siblings’ (Dolgard and Kringlen, 1976, p.213).
The problem for any society is that these boundaries are unclear and change over time. While a certain, limited amount of crime may perform positive functions for society, according to Durkheim, too much crime has negative consequences. His most well known concept was that of 'anomie', which has been widely used in sociology. According to Durkheim, society is based on people sharing common values which form the basis for actions. However, in periods of social change, people may be freed from the social control by collective conscience and start to look after their own self need rather than following social values.
The implications of deviancy are far and wide, and at their core, represent the very quintessence of how societies thrive, how individuals socialize, how culture is created and, importantly, how culture is reinforced. In considering the various implications of deviancy, it is of the utmost importance to consider the evolution of human beings as social animals. Moving forward from this critical recognition, it is necessary when examining a deviant behavior to define its context. This essay will briefly expound upon the recreational and medicinal consumption of marijuana as a form of deviant behavior within the context of modern American society. For the purposes of this essay, modern American society will be taken to mean society within the United States following the industrial revolution.
Like the item says, 'functionalist sociologists focus on how far individuals accept the norms and values of society.' Durkheim blames people not being fully integrated into society’s norms and values as to why they commit crime. So he said once people have served their time for their crime, they should be reintegrated. It’s a strength that Durkheim suggests them being reintegrated as it means they’re less likely to reoffend if they feel they belong to their society and do not look for status through crime. However, interactionists would say that agents of social control cause crime, not the society you are in.
Lombroso believed that behavior is dictated by biological factors. Other scholars would later put emphasis on psychological and sociological factors that would influence a person’s behavior. Factors outside the individuals control determine their criminal behavior. Some original thought here followed the research of Charles Darwin and his work on the evolution of man. Cesare Lombroso became known as the father of criminology.