Today, we’re taking a look at how biological and psychological theories try to explain why people break the law.
Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s be real – there isn’t one magic answer to the question of why people commit crimes. It’s a super complex issue that involves all sorts of factors, from a person’s genes to their environment. But, these theories give us a framework to think about it all.
Biological Theories: It’s in Your Genes (Maybe)
Think back to ancient Greece. They believed that if someone had a physical deformity, it meant they were also morally deformed, which was a little rough. But it kind of shows that people have always tried to link our physical bodies to our behavior.
Fast forward to today, and scientists are still looking into the connection between our genes and our actions. There are some pretty interesting studies, like looking at twins and comparing identical twins (who share 100% of their genes) to fraternal twins (who share 50% of their genes). If identical twins are more likely to both be criminals than fraternal twins, it might suggest that genetics play a role.
Then, there are these things called chromosomes that we all have. Some people believe that having an extra chromosome (like in Klinefelter syndrome) can make someone more likely to be aggressive or get into trouble with the law. But, to be honest, it’s still super tricky to tease apart the exact influence of genetics.
Psychological Theories: It’s All in Your Head
Now, let’s shift our focus to the mind. That’s where psychological theories come in. They think that criminal behavior is a result of messed up thinking, personality issues, or maybe even repressed childhood trauma.
One of the most famous psychological theories is Eysenck’s Theory of Personality. Eysenck believed that some people are naturally more prone to crime because of their personality traits, like being impulsive, extroverted, or having a low tolerance for frustration.
Another important concept is cognitive distortions. These are twisted ways of thinking that can lead to violence or criminal behavior. For example, someone might use the “victim blaming” distortion to justify their actions. They might say, “They deserved it” or “It’s their fault for what happened.”
Let’s Take a Look at the Table
| Theory | Focus |
|---|---|
| Biological Theories | Genetic predisposition, physical characteristics, brain structure/functioning |
| Psychological Theories | Personality traits (Eysenck), cognitive distortions, moral development, learning theory, psychodynamic theories, social learning |
Beyond the Theories: It’s a Mix
We know that criminals are not born, they are made! So, while these theories give us some ideas, it’s important to remember that the reality of crime is much more complex. It’s a mix of our biology, our psychology, and our environment.
Thinking About It
What do you think? Do you believe that there’s a biological or psychological basis for crime? Or, is it mostly about a person’s environment and upbringing?
