Identify the Biological and Psychological explanations on crime (9)
Biological explanations for crime see deviance in terms of the biological make-up of individuals whereas Psychological explanations maintain that the causes of deviance lie within a faulty mind. This essay will examine both theories.
Causes of criminal behaviour are most prominently explained in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, which suggests that an individual's well-being is dependent on a healthy interaction amongst the Id, (Innate) Ego (Reality) and the Superego (Society). The psychoanalytic theory is the search for causes of crime within the make up of an individual. It explains that delinquency is caused by disturbances or abnormalities in an individual's emotional development from early childhood. Freud believes that some people have antisocial tendencies in the unconscious of their mind that branches back to a traumatic early childhood, and cause long-term psychological problems. Therefore, crime would occur if there was a malfunctioning of the Id (too much), an underdeveloped Superego (no conscience), or an overdeveloped Superego (desire to be caught and punished). However, the Psychoanalytic theory has lack of empirical support, focuses only on internal factors (excludes societal factors) and centralises on treatment rather than prevention.