Crime and Deviance: Sociological and non-sociological theories of crime and deviance

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What do biological and psychological theories suggest.
Crime is caused by nature/nurture. Bio: Genetic makeup dispose to crime. E.g. Cesare Lombroso: criminals have abnormal facial features
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What have pet scans shown in terms of criminality?
Known psychopaths often have brain abnormalities which suggest organic reasons for deviant behaviour.
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What have modern studies suggested about childhood experiences and crime?
That childhood experiences can lead to long-term psychological damage which may lead to maladjusted personalities and potential criminality.
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Why do sociologists reject bio,psycho,physiological explanations?
They fail to recognise the meanings attached to crime and deviance are created by social and cultural factors. How can someone be predisposed to crime if crime changes labels over time?
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What do sociologists say about crime patterns?
Crime is not randomly distributed by gene or personality, but follows a social pattern. links to age, gender, class, ethnicity
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An example for how criminality is not a reaction to genetic factors
Many young people engage in criminal activity but give it up
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Card 2

Front

What have pet scans shown in terms of criminality?

Back

Known psychopaths often have brain abnormalities which suggest organic reasons for deviant behaviour.

Card 3

Front

What have modern studies suggested about childhood experiences and crime?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Why do sociologists reject bio,psycho,physiological explanations?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What do sociologists say about crime patterns?

Back

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