Explaining Crime and Deviance Biological Psychological and Sociological

Explaining Crime and Deviance Biological, Psychological and Sociological explanations

What makes a criminal? • There are different ways • • • to explain why some people do not follow society’s rules. Some theories suggest that people are “inherently bad” Some that it is a learnt behaviour Others say that it is a reaction to circumstances

Biological Explanations • In the mid 1800 s, Cesare • • Lombroso proposed theory that criminal behaviour was genetic, that all criminals shared similar physical characteristics and could be identified as criminals by these characteristics. These included large jaw lines, big ears and high cheekbones. Are these ideas still relevant to how we view criminals today?

Biological Explanations • Lombroso’s ideas were taken further by other theorists who believed that the shape of the head determined personality, intelligence and the criminal mind

Psychological Explanations • Some psychologists would • explain criminal or deviant behaviour as a result of chemical imbalances in the body John Bowlby proposed that it was a dysfunctional childhood with a lack of attachment to the mother that produced criminal and deviant behaviour in adolescence and adulthood

Sociological Explanations • Socialisation – Young people’s • • involvement in criminal and deviant behaviour can be explained in terms of negative influences from family and environment Children are not socialised effectively into society’s norms and values by their parents What about other agents of socialisation? Media glamourising violence?

Sociological Explanations • The Opportunity Structure • Crime and criminal behaviour can be explained • • as a reaction to the opportunities that are available to the individual In areas where the levels of employment and educational opportunities are low, people may turn to illegal ways of achieving success Look at the activity on page 157

Relative Deprivation • Relative deprivation occurs when • • • individuals or groups feel that they do not have the same wealth or lifestyle as others in their society In the West in particular, there is a high emphasis on material wealth – to own the right clothes, the best car ect. The reality is for some that they cannot achieve this and they may feel relatively deprived This can make groups or individuals feel discontent and this may lead to crime

Exam Question • Identify and explain fully two social factors which might lead people to become criminals • 8 marks