Evolutionary Theory & Types of Offenders

Overview

• The lecture segment introduces the application of evolutionary theory to criminology, specifically to classify and understand different types of offenders.
• Emphasizes that individuals are not homogeneous in their likelihood to engage in criminal behavior.

Observed Variation in Crime Propensity

• Some individuals commit many crimes (high-frequency offenders).
• Others commit very few or no crimes (low-frequency offenders).
• Acknowledges the spectrum of offending behaviors rather than a single category.

Central Research Question

• Pivotal inquiry posed: “How can evolutionary theory be employed to explain the differences in human crime propensity?”
  • Sets the stage for examining biological, ecological, and life-history factors that may influence criminal behavior.