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1. E1b1 Comparing
Theories of Criminality
HOW THE BIOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL REASONS FOR CRIME CAN BE COMPARED
HOW THE REASONS FOR CRIMINALITY RELATE TO THE NATURE – NURTURE
DEBATE

2. Biological causes of crime Social causes of crime
Focus in how we are born criminal Focus on how we are made criminal
We inherit the genes that cause criminal behaviour Being brought up in a family that makes criminal
behaviour more likely
Criminal behaviour runs in some families The size and structure of our family can cause
criminal behaviour
Adoption studies show how crime can be inherited Separation form parents can cause distress and
mistrust that can affect later development
XYY chromosome abnormality may cause
aggression in males, leading to violent crime
The self-fulfilling prophecy explains how behaviour
can be influenced by the way we are treated and
expected to behave.
This theory is weakened by the confusion between
genetics and upbringing in twin and family studies
The theory cannot separate the influence of many
social factors that influence criminality, such as
peers and experiences
Chromosome research is limited, as only small
samples have been gathered and studied
People often rebel against how they are treated by
others; they do not fulfil the prophecies that are
made

3. The nature-nurture debate
Nature of criminality
◦ The biological side argues that criminal behaviour is inherited through our genes.
◦ This means that if a family member is criminal we are more likely to be criminal ourselves.
◦ Or alternatively
◦ Criminal behaviour is caused by chromosome abnormality the XYY gene pattern.
Nurture of criminality
◦ Our upbringing causes criminal behaviour.
◦ Refers to family patterns such as divorce and family size or lack of parental supervision that can lead
to crime.
◦ Links to how we are raised and child rearing strategies.
◦ The idea of self fulfilling prophecy – the way others treat us affects our behaviour.

4. Conclusion
Both sides present evidence for a biological or social cause for criminal behaviour.
However if it is the result of genetics or upbringing, is not really understood.
Often research focusses on one aspect and ignores the other, only looks at one side of the story.
We should consider both sides the social and the biological.
Could have a criminal gene but raised in a loving family.
Not all criminals have criminal families, or have been raised in large families or physically
punished as children.

5. Safer to say
Talk about having a biological tendency or social vulnerability to criminal behaviour.
This means we are more likely to turn to crime if criminal behaviour runs in the family or as a
result of how we were raised, but it does not mean it is inevitable.
Answer questions 1 and 2 on page 175