Biosocial criminology: integration of biological and social factors

Criminology

Identify key indicators of involvement in a criminal lifestyle and then identify and explain the varied consequences associated with high levels of criminal propensity.

The key indicators of involvement in a criminal lifestyle include underdeveloped conscience, low perceived risk, (Copes & Vieraitis, 2009); development of a criminal identity (Copes, Hochstetler & Williams, 2008); and various biosocial factors (Beaver, n.d.; Wright, Tibbetts & Daigle, 2008). Lack of internal and external constraint is a related issue that can lead to propensity for a criminal lifestyle. Increasingly, the neurological and biological factors that are associated with criminal behavior are being discovered to be reliable predictors of involvement in a criminal lifestyle (Beaver, n.d.). In general, key indicators of involvement in a criminal lifestyle are both related to nature (biological and genetic factors impacting psychological growth and development); and nurture (environmental factors).

The biological and genetic factors impacting psychological growth and development have been studied less than the environmental factors related to participation in criminal lifestyles. However, recent research reveals a much stronger connection between neurobiological and criminal behavior than was once believed (Beaver, n.d.). This is why it is imperative to study criminal behavior and propensity among youth. The child and especially adolescent mind is mutable; hormonal changes can alter brain structure, brain chemistry, and brain development in ways that can either foster pro-social behavior or prevent the inhibition of anti-social behavior (Beaver, n.d.; Wright, Tibbetts & Daigle, 2008).

Environmental factors that can be considered key indicators of involvement in a criminal lifestyle are complex and varied. Individuals will react differently to the social and environmental stimuli. Opportunity and perceived risk are key factors related to involvement in a criminal lifestyle, as Copes & Vieraitis (2009) show in their study with identity thieves, many of whom report few constraints on their behavior due to its being relatively easy to "get away with." Social learning and social constructivism reveal ways that an individual's core identity can be shaped by social factors leading to a strong criminal identity. This is coupled with reward factors that reinforce criminal behaviors and criminal identities like those of the "hustler," as Copes, Hochstetler & Williams (2008) found in their research.