1. Explaining Crime and Deviance
Biological, Psychological and Sociological explanations

2. What makes a criminal?
There are different ways to explain why some people do not follow society’s rules.
Some theories suggest that people are “inherently bad”
Some that it is a learnt behaviour
Others say that it is a reaction to circumstances

3. Biological Explanations
In the mid 1800s, Cesare Lombroso proposed the theory that criminal behaviour was genetic, that all criminals shared similar physical characteristics and could be identified as criminals by these characteristics.
These included large jaw lines, big ears and high cheekbones.
Are these ideas still relevant to how we view criminals today?

4. Biological Explanations
Lombroso’s ideas were taken further by other theorists who believed that the shape of the head determined personality, intelligence and the criminal mind

5. Psychological Explanations
Some psychologists would explain criminal or deviant behaviour as a result of chemical imbalances in the body
John Bowlby proposed that it was a dysfunctional childhood with a lack of attachment to the mother that produced criminal and deviant behaviour in adolescence and adulthood

6. Sociological Explanations
Socialisation – Young people’s involvement in criminal and deviant behaviour can be explained in terms of negative influences from family and environment
Children are not socialised effectively into society’s norms and values by their parents
What about other agents of socialisation? Media glamourising violence?

7. Sociological Explanations
The Opportunity Structure
Crime and criminal behaviour can be explained as a reaction to the opportunities that are available to the individual
In areas where the levels of employment and educational opportunities are low, people may turn to illegal ways of achieving success
Look at the activity on page 157

8. Relative Deprivation
Relative deprivation occurs when individuals or groups feel that they do not have the same wealth or lifestyle as others in their society
In the West in particular, there is a high emphasis on material wealth – to own the right clothes, the best car ect.
The reality is for some that they cannot achieve this and they may feel relatively deprived
This can make groups or individuals feel discontent and this may lead to crime

9. Exam Question
Identify and explain fully two social factors which might lead people to become criminals
8 marks