EXPLANATION OF CRIME - XYY

How many chromosomes do humans normally have?

Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, giving a total of 46 chromosomes.

What are the sex chromosomes for males and females?

Males have XY chromosomes, while females have XX chromosomes.

What is XYY syndrome?

XYY syndrome is a genetic abnormality found only in males, where an extra Y chromosome is present.

How common is XYY syndrome?

XYY syndrome occurs in around 1 in 1000 male births.

What are some signs of XYY syndrome in babies and toddlers?

Babies and toddlers with XYY syndrome may be quieter, more reserved, and slower to sit up, crawl, walk, and talk.

What difficulties may children with XYY syndrome experience?

They may experience shyness, low self-confidence, problems with reading, writing, spelling, attention, mild dyslexia, and difficulty socialising or expressing feelings.

What physical characteristics may teenagers with XYY syndrome show?

Teenagers may grow taller than expected, have long arms and legs, broad hips, poor muscle tone, acne, and higher levels of physical activity

What issue may adults with XYY syndrome experience?

Adults with XYY syndrome may experience fertility problems.

Why may XYY syndrome be linked to criminal behaviour?

Behavioural and emotional difficulties, along with increased physical activity and possible aggression, may make antisocial or criminal behaviour more likely in some XYY males.

DANIEL HUGON (1968)

-he murdered a prostitute in a paris hotel

-on the day before his trial he attempted suicide, which led to the court to order extensive mental and physical examinations.

-found that HUGON had XYY sundrome. this was used by defence in the court case to suggest his behaviour was pre determined.

strengths of xyy syndrome as an explanation of crime

-supporting evidence suggests a link between XYY and criminal behaviour

-there are practical applications. If XYY is found early , then behavioural and emtional problem associated with the condition can be addressed to reduce possible criminal behaviour.

-additionally idividuals can learn to avoid labelling those with XYY to prevent self fulfilling prophecies

weaknesses of xyy syndrome as an explanation of crime

. reductionist

• doesn’t explain crime committed by females, therefore limited explanation

evidence against link between xyy and crime

RE + BIRKHOFF 2015

• carried out review study, consisting of evidence from over the past 50 years relating to XYY

• concluded ‘there is no statistical evidence than an xyy man is predisposed just because of his genotype, to aggressive and deviant behaviour

• they argued that XYY prevalence among offenders may be better explained by unfavourable environments