SOC 1500 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Xyy Syndrome, American Psychological Association, Émile Durkheim
Document Summary
Emphasis on the application of the scientific method to the study of human behaviour. Darwin"s on the origin of species (1859) well known example of early positivist thinking that strongly influenced the development of criminological theorizing. Criminals are biological throwbacks" ( those who display primitive, ape-like characteristics are biologically predisposed to crime) High cheekbones (traits are likely to be a result of being in prison rather than criminalizing attributes people are born with) Xyy syndrome: possession of an extra y chromosome believed to be the cause of uncontrollable aggressiveness in super males ( not true, but thought until recently to be true) Research has been found to link property crimes to xyy syndrome but no link to violent crime. Modern theories generally contend that criminals are made, not born; in contrast with biological theories. Ego: reality principle, keeps id urges in check. Superego: social conscious/ moral code (develops over time and is influenced by family members and social experiences)
