Biology and Violence
From Birth to Adulthood

An examination of criminal behaviour from birth to adulthood in order to determine the biological and sociological influences on violence.

Deborah W. Denno (Author)

9780521362191, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 September 1990

236 pages
23.7 x 15.8 x 2 cm, 0.46 kg

"Denno's book is a refreshing change; it is an explicit effort to evaluate the role of both biological and social influences in criminal behavior....This book takes an important first step toward integrating biological and social perspectives...." David C. Rowe, Contemporary Sociology

The author examines criminal behaviour from birth to adulthood in a sample of nearly 1,000 subjects in order to determine the biological and sociological influences on violence. Over 100 predictors of violent behaviour found to be significant in past biological and sociological studies of crime are analysed. The results indicate that both biological and environmental factors produce strong, and independent, effects on both delinquency and adult crime and violence among both males and females. Powerful influences on violence include behavioural disorder during youth, low school achievement, hyperactivity, lead poisoning, and low levels of parental education. The results do not confirm the findings of previous studies that indicate direct relationships between delinquency and early intelligence, mental retardation, socioeconomic status, or early central nervous system dysfunction. The author concludes that many of the factors contributing to criminal and violent behaviour can be prevented because they have clear environmental origins that can be eliminated.

Foreword Marvin E. Wolfgang
Preface
Introduction
1. Biological and environmental influences on crime
2. Violent criminals as children and as adults
3. Intelligence and crime
4. Biological and environmental predictors of crime
5. Case studies of violent and career criminals
6. Biology and responsibility
Appendix: selection and distribution of Biosocial Project variables
References
Author index
Subject index.

Subject Areas: Violence in society [JFFE]