Eysenck’s biosocial theory of crime (10):
Hans Eysenck’s (1916–997) theory is regarded as a biosocial theory, since
he believed that genetic factors contributed significantly to human
behaviour, but only showed themselves under the influence of
environmental or social factors.
Genetics
Genetics is an essential feature to Eysenck’s theory.
As far as crime is concerned, he was convinced that evidence from
the study of twins brought up together and separately, supported
the hypothesis that there is a substantial inherited component to
crime.
He also placed importance on adoption studies.
Constitutional factors
Eysenck (Howitt, 2002:67) argued that there are physical differences
between criminals and non-criminals, and he was particularly
interested in the influence of body types (notion put forward by
Sheldon ; Somatotyping: Endomorphs: heavy, short arms & legs,
relaxed, extroverted and non-criminals ; mesomorphs: athletic &
muscular, aggressive, likely to commit violent crimes & Ectomorphs:
thin, overly sensitive & introverted)
Personality
Eysenck identified two main components to a person’s personality:
o Extroversion:
Runs from extroversion to introversion
Often referred to as the E scale.
Characteristics of extroversion are active, assertive,
creative, care-free, dominant, lively, sensation-seeking
and venturesome.
o Neuroticism:
which runs from neurotic or unstable to stable.
Often referred to as the N scale.
Characteristics of neuroticism are anxious, depressed,
emotional, guilt feelings, irrational, low self-esteem,
moody, shy and tense.
These two components are continuous, and most people fall in the
middle range.
o Psychoticism:
Often referred to as the P Scale.
Psychopathic dimension
Evidenced by aggressive, cold and impersonal behaviour.
Hans Eysenck’s (1916–997) theory is regarded as a biosocial theory, since
he believed that genetic factors contributed significantly to human
behaviour, but only showed themselves under the influence of
environmental or social factors.
Genetics
Genetics is an essential feature to Eysenck’s theory.
As far as crime is concerned, he was convinced that evidence from
the study of twins brought up together and separately, supported
the hypothesis that there is a substantial inherited component to
crime.
He also placed importance on adoption studies.
Constitutional factors
Eysenck (Howitt, 2002:67) argued that there are physical differences
between criminals and non-criminals, and he was particularly
interested in the influence of body types (notion put forward by
Sheldon ; Somatotyping: Endomorphs: heavy, short arms & legs,
relaxed, extroverted and non-criminals ; mesomorphs: athletic &
muscular, aggressive, likely to commit violent crimes & Ectomorphs:
thin, overly sensitive & introverted)
Personality
Eysenck identified two main components to a person’s personality:
o Extroversion:
Runs from extroversion to introversion
Often referred to as the E scale.
Characteristics of extroversion are active, assertive,
creative, care-free, dominant, lively, sensation-seeking
and venturesome.
o Neuroticism:
which runs from neurotic or unstable to stable.
Often referred to as the N scale.
Characteristics of neuroticism are anxious, depressed,
emotional, guilt feelings, irrational, low self-esteem,
moody, shy and tense.
These two components are continuous, and most people fall in the
middle range.
o Psychoticism:
Often referred to as the P Scale.
Psychopathic dimension
Evidenced by aggressive, cold and impersonal behaviour.
