Introduction
Although different types of crime have distinct causes, biological theories explain the foundation of most antisocial behaviors. Criminalities constitute deviant behaviors that violate the prevailing standards or norms and are punishable by the state or other authorities. Criminologists have identified various antecedents to crime and classified them into biological, sociological, and psychological causation theories. These models are integral in the formulation of crime control policies. They interrogate the causes of crime as the fundamental factors in preventing, containment, and control of criminal behaviors (Siegel & Worrall, 2018). While psychological and sociological factors predispose an individual to delinquency, most offenses can be attributed to biological causes.
Similarities of Biological, Psychological, and Sociological Theories of Crime
Biological, sociological, and psychological theories of crime focus on an individual’s inherent abnormalities which predispose them to defiance. For instance, psychological theories indicate that criminals develop impaired personalities, which render them incapable of controlling their impulses and judgments (Robbins & Litton, 2017). Similarly, the biological models depict chromosomal abnormalities, which trigger the reversion of human development to primitive stages. Sociological approaches exemplify dysfunctional self-control, insensitivity to others, and unmanageable impulses which predispose an individual to antisociality (Robbins & Litton, 2017). This implies that sociologists, criminologists, and psychologists acknowledge that criminal acts can be caused by deformities and defects which impair an individual’s proper functioning (Ling et al., 2019). Therefore, biological, psychological, and sociological theories indicate that the existence of some disorders increases a person’s propensity to commit offenses.
Differences Between Biological, Psychological, and Sociological Theories of Crime
Crime causation theories differ by addressing distinct features of the social environment, the offender’s attributes, and genetic makeup. Unlike psychological explanations, biological theories adopt an individualistic orientation, which primarily explores the genetic factors and body types of criminals. Consequently, the former focuses on an individual’s personality, particularly the processes through which behaviors and behavioral restraints are learned from social experiences and biological predisposition. Conversely, sociological theories assert that antisociality is the response to external influences and continuous exposure to a particular kind of social circumstances. For instance, the differential association theory notes that antisocial behaviors are learned through socialization and perpetual contact with the individuals who commit crimes. However, biological approaches explain the causes of criminalities by evaluating the offender’s intrinsic and hereditary aspects (Siegel & Worrall, 2018). Additionally, biological theories are nomothetic and scientific, while psychological and sociological use clinical interviews and case studies to explain the causes of crime. Thus, although the three models attempt to expound on causalities of crime, they analyze diverse factors contributing to delinquency.
Biological Theories
Genetic inheritance, biochemical, and neurophysiological conditions provide the most prevalent causes of crime. Studies have established a connection between criminality and biological aspects for adoptees and twins (Siegel & Worrall, 2018). Additionally, the human body comprises numerous chemicals which are influenced by the exposure to or ingestion of other substances. The consumption of such components increases an individual’s susceptibility to delinquent behavior (Siegel & Worrall, 2018). These toxic elements can be inhaled from environmental contaminants, foods, hormones, and even hypoglycemia. Additionally, normal body functioning and normal behavioral disposition can be impacted by the factors which impair the neurological processes, such as executive functioning. Considering the prevalence of pollutants in the environment, increased incidences of dysfunctional neurological processes, and the consumption of toxins, the proliferation of antisocial behaviors can be attributed to these factors. For instance, alcoholism, subjection to polychlorinated biphenyls, and mercury impede brain functioning, intelligence levels, and deterioration in learning and cognitive abilities. As a result, people predisposed to such contaminants become increasingly susceptible and prone to behavioral delinquencies.
Criminologists examine the aspects of and determine the best ways of preventing deviant behavior and reducing recidivism by establishing a causal relationship between the offenders’ conduct and delinquency. Psychological, sociological, and biological models focus on the major primary contributors to increased proclivity to criminal behavior and recidivism. However, the biological approaches provide the most robust connection between an individual and their propensity for antisociality.
References
Ling, S., Umbach, R., & Raine, A. (2019). Biological explanations of criminal behavior. Psychology, Crime, and Law, 25(6), 626-640. Web.
Robbins, P., & Litton, P. (2017). Crime, punishment, and causation: The effect of etiological information on the perception of moral agency. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 24(1), 118-127. Web.
Siegel, L., & Worrall, J. (2018). Introduction to criminal justice (16th ed.). Cengage Learning.