Principles of Biosocial theory (10):
A recent interest in biological theories has developed, but these
new approaches distinguish themselves from earlier
approaches in several ways:
Firstly, the most recent biological theorists, known as
biosocial theorists, focus on a vast spectrum of biological
factors, including genetic inheritance, environmental
factors (i.e. head injuries and toxins such as lead
poisoning), and reproductive factors.
Secondly, biosocial theorists do not claim that biology
leads to crime. Instead, they assert that biological factors
influence crime by shaping the development of particular
traits that are more conducive to crime than others.
Finally, biosocial theorists recognise the importance of the
social environment in relation to individual development.
They maintain that the social environment shapes the
development of certain traits and determines whether
these traits will lead to crime.
In short, biosocial theorists believe that physical,
environmental, and social conditions work ‘‘in concert’’ to
produce human behaviour.
Biosocial theory has several core principles, as indicated by
Siegel:
It assumes that genetic makeup contributes significantly
to human behaviour.
It contends that not all humans are born with an equal
potential to learn and achieve.
It argues that no two people are alike (with rare
exceptions, such as identical twins).
It postulates that the combination of human genetic traits
and the environment produces individual behaviour
patterns.
Biosocial perspectives on criminality can be categorised as
follows:
Genetic
Biochemical
Neurophysiological
A recent interest in biological theories has developed, but these
new approaches distinguish themselves from earlier
approaches in several ways:
Firstly, the most recent biological theorists, known as
biosocial theorists, focus on a vast spectrum of biological
factors, including genetic inheritance, environmental
factors (i.e. head injuries and toxins such as lead
poisoning), and reproductive factors.
Secondly, biosocial theorists do not claim that biology
leads to crime. Instead, they assert that biological factors
influence crime by shaping the development of particular
traits that are more conducive to crime than others.
Finally, biosocial theorists recognise the importance of the
social environment in relation to individual development.
They maintain that the social environment shapes the
development of certain traits and determines whether
these traits will lead to crime.
In short, biosocial theorists believe that physical,
environmental, and social conditions work ‘‘in concert’’ to
produce human behaviour.
Biosocial theory has several core principles, as indicated by
Siegel:
It assumes that genetic makeup contributes significantly
to human behaviour.
It contends that not all humans are born with an equal
potential to learn and achieve.
It argues that no two people are alike (with rare
exceptions, such as identical twins).
It postulates that the combination of human genetic traits
and the environment produces individual behaviour
patterns.
Biosocial perspectives on criminality can be categorised as
follows:
Genetic
Biochemical
Neurophysiological
