Introduction
Human trafficking is a broad topic in criminology and a serious problem in the modern world. Therefore, it is essential to explore this type of crime from various perspectives to address the problem and enhance one’s understanding of its aspects and associated factors, particularly poverty. This paper looks at human trafficking through a theoretical lens. Namely, this essay aims to discuss how the use of biological theory in criminology can help explain the phenomenon of human trafficking and the role of poverty in it.
A Summary of The Biological Theory
The biological theory in criminology is one of the subcategories of positivist theory. In contrast to the classical school of thought, which focuses on the impact of free will on one’s choices and actions, positivism assumes that various inner and outer factors contribute to criminal behavior (Crews, 2009). In particular, the biological theory states that an individual does not, in fact, have control over their decision to violate the law. In turn, physical, sociological, or psychological causes can be determined as factors affecting human behavior (“Biological theories of crime,” n.d.). Such an approach to crimes implements a scientific method and promotes a rehabilitation model as opposed to punishment under the classical theory (Hochstetler, 2009). In this regard, Cesare Lombroso is known as the founder of the theory of crime based on the idea that people can inherit violent tendencies (CriminologyWeb, 2019). Identifiable factors and signs were established to help predict one’s criminal behavior. As can be seen, the biological theory of crime focuses on exploring biological deviations in people who committed crimes.
Positivism denies the concept of free will and supports the idea of various factors’ impact on human behavior. According to CBS News (2013), the use of biological theory can explain why some individuals are more inclined toward committing violent crimes and how this tendency differs in men and women. Similarly, Wall Street Journal (2013) demonstrates how scans of criminals’ brains can be utilized to identify violent tendencies. Overall, the biological perspective on criminal behavior can be applied to the problem of human trafficking.
The Application of The Theory to Human Trafficking and Poverty
Human trafficking is a widespread problem that can take many forms. It is considered a crime due to such components as abuse (sexual and physical), use of force, threats, fraud, deception, and use of one’s vulnerability for the purpose of exploitation (CriminologyWeb, 2019). In this regard, the biological theory can be applied to explain the offender’s behavior towards victims. It assumes that criminals display deviant behaviors due to inner and outer factors, including genetics, neurotransmitters, substance abuse, diseases, hormonal disorders, brain structure, or medication use (Crews, 2009). These biological causes can impact one’s cognitive functions, contributing to violent and abusive actions toward defenseless individuals (TED, 2009). In particular, one of the demographic variables that are thought to affect human trafficking is poverty, which makes certain populations more vulnerable to manipulation and fraud. Women, children, migrants, ethnic minorities, and other social groups often do not have equal access to economic and financial resources, which limits their power and self-sufficiency. As a result, for individuals with deviant behavior tendencies resulting from biological factors, vulnerable populations can appear as potential victims since they can be manipulated or threatened easily.
Conclusion
To conclude, the application of the biological theory to human trafficking can help explain the relationship between this type of crime and poverty as a demographic variable. People from low-income households are vulnerable to manipulation and abuse. Furthermore, they often belong to social groups that are generally at a higher risk of violence. Therefore, biological, sociological, or psychological factors can contribute to the offender’s abusive and exploitative behavior toward defenseless individuals.
References
Biological theories of crime. (n.d.).
CBS News. (2013). Crime and violence: The biological behind murder [Video]. YouTube.
Crews, A. D. (2009). Chapter 22: Biological theory. In J. M. Miller (Ed.), 21st-century criminology: A reference handbook (pp. 184-200). Sage.
CriminologyWeb. (2019). Cesare Lombroso: Theory of crime, criminal man and atavism [Video]. YouTube.
Hochstetler, A. (2009). Chapter 23: Classical perspectives. In J. M. Miller (Ed.), 21st-century criminology: A reference handbook (pp. 201-209). Sage.
TED. (2009). Exploring the mind of a killer | Jim Fallon [Video]. YouTube.
Wall Street Journal. (2013). The Anatomy of a violent brain [Video]. YouTube.