Theories of Criminal Behaviour - Summary Notes

Theories of Criminal Behaviour

Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand various approaches to crime and criminal behavior.
  2. Study a case evidencing the multi-approach perspective in criminality.
  3. Explore the theoretical framework for rape behaviors.

Overview of Concepts

  • Various approaches to explaining criminal behavior
  • Importance of a multidimensional approach
  • The role of society, biology, individual differences, biosocial factors, psychopathy, and mental illness in criminality.

Theoretical Approaches

  • Forensic psychologists use theories for profiling, behavior explanation, influencing sentencing, and assessing future risks.
  • Strain Theory (Merton, 1938, Agnew, 2009): Social structures can lead to crime; updates include types of strain and criticisms include inadequate empirical support.
  • Social Learning: Aggression through imitation (Bandura); reinforcement and vicarious learning shape behavior.

Control Theory

  • Factors preventing crime include social pressures for conformity and neighborhood effects.
  • Social disorganization theory highlights 'hot spots' for crime.

Biological Influences

  • Genetic factors (e.g., XYY syndrome, twin studies) link biology to criminality.
  • Biochemistry: Hormonal influences (testosterone), neurotransmitter roles (serotonin) related to aggression.
  • Evolutionary perspectives suggest some traits like impulsiveness may offer survival benefits.

Psychopathy and Crime

  • Emotionally deficient backgrounds link to persistent antisocial behavior.
  • Children exhibiting traits do not reliably predict adult behavior - environmental factors play a crucial role.
  • Mental illness does not always correlate with criminal behavior; social contexts greatly influence outcomes.

Case Study: The Krays

  • Explores the interplay between mental illness and environmental conditions in shaping criminal behavior.
  • Separate lives and behaviors of Ronnie and Reggie Kray highlight the complexity of criminality beyond mental illness.

Rape Theory Application

  • Multiple frameworks for understanding rape: medical, biological, social learning, evolutionary, and feminist perspectives, each elucidating different aspects of motivation and prevention.

Multidimensional Approach

  • Crime explanations should adopt a biopsychosocial framework combining all factors for effective intervention and treatment strategies.