Criminology CH 10 Study Guide

Psychological/Biological Abnormalities Causes of Violence

Some violent offenders show neurological impairments, low intelligence, or psychotic symptoms. Studies link differences in brain structure, such as in the limbic system and prefrontal cortex, to violent tendencies

Human Instinct: Causes of Violence

Psychologists like Freud proposed that humans have a life instinct (Eros) and a death instinct (Thanatos), influencing violent behavior

Causes of Violence: Substance Abuse

Violence can be associated with substance abuse through three main pathways: Psychopharmacological, Economic Compulsive, and systematic

Psychopharmacological Drug Use Causes 

Violence triggered by drug effects 

Economic Compulsivity Drug Use Causes 

Crimes committed to fund drug use.

Systematic Drug Use Causes

Violence as part of the drug trade

Socialization and Upbringing

Factors such as absent or deviant parents, physical abuse, inconsistent discipline, and lack of supervision are linked to violent behavior

Cycle of Violence

Suggests that children who experience abuse are more likely to become violent adults.

Exposure to Violence

Being exposed to violence can desensitize individuals, increasing their likelihood of adopting violent methods

Subculture of Violence

Some communities may foster a culture where violence is used to resolve disputes and maintain honor, especially within certain gang subcultures