By contrast, sociological theories examine the risk factors for violent personality development which include harsh social and environmental issues such childhood abuse and/or neglect, victimization, social exclusion, lack of education, and extreme poverty (MacDonald, Haviland, & Morral, 2009). Poor parenting and the negative influence of certain peer groups may also contribute to violent behavior. An example of this would be violent gang culture among young urban males. For those already at risk, the conditioning and positive sanctioning of violence within the peer group can lead to criminal behavior that persists throughout one's life. Evidence suggests that the proclivity for violent crime increases under harsh living and social conditions. Cultural and developmental experiences are often at the heart of the "nature vs. nurture" debate regarding violent offenders. For many violent offenders, particularly those who are also genetically pre-disposed to violence and aggression, pressurized social settings can result in callous emotional traits, low empathy levels, low remorse for misdeeds and very little emotional range (Lim, Day & Casey, 2011). Such traits can range on a continuum...

Violent offenders pose a serious threat to public safety and society's quality of life. Psychological, biological and social theories help us understand how violent offender types come to be and ways we can help and rehabilitate members of this growing population.
References

Lim, L., Day, a., & Casey, S. (2011). Social Cognitive Processing in Violent Male Offenders. Psychiatry, Psychology & Law, 18(2), 177-189. doi:10.1080/13218711003739490.

MacDonald, J.M., Haviland, a., & Morral, a.R. (2009). Assessing the Relationship between Violent and Nonviolent Criminal Activity among Serious Adolescent Offenders. Journal of Research in Crime & Delinquency, 46(4), 553-580.

Morley, K., & Hall, W. (2003). Is there a genetic susceptibility to engage in criminal acts? Australian Institute of Criminology: Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, 263, 1-6.

Rhee, S.H., & Waldman, I.D. (2002). Genetic and environmental influences on antisocial behavior: A meta-analysis of twin and adoption…