Biosocial Theory Paper

Biosocial theory consists of a collection of perspectives that emphasize a multi-disciplinary approach to explain crime and antisocial behavior. These theories are backed by the assumption that human behavior is shaped by biological factors that interact with the environment, essentially, stressing the importance of both biological and environmental forces upon criminal behavior (Lilly, Cullen, & Ball, 2015). Biosocial theories can be classified into three relevant approaches: evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and genetics (Lilly et al., 2015). Evolutionary psychology focuses on the identification of “psychological traits, as they relate to adaptations that contribute to survival, and are transmitted throughout generations” (Lilly et

Many are concerned that this theory will have a crucial impact on policy development, in that, it shifts policy development away from white-collar crime, towards a greater focus on antisocial behavior (Lilly et al., 2015). Based upon a biosocial approach, there would be increased emphasis on a “medical model” of crime, rather than the “criminal justice model” (Lilly et al., 2015). This supports policy directed at treatment based upon a certain diagnosis, rather than policy based upon punishment (Lilly et al., 2015). These ideas are problematic simply because they do not reflect the overall views about crime and punishment throughout society. The rationale that individuals offend because they are “ill” is rather uncommon, countering the common assumption that offenders “choose” to engage in crime. Our society also pushes for the punishment of offenders, not treatment, as the best solution to the crime problem. Although much research has led to shifts in the system’s views, some would claim that decreasing the role of punishment and increasing treatment, would defeat the entire purpose of the justice system in dealing with crime and offenders. It would also create limitations for the role of criminal responsibility, which is an underlying objective in our system in providing a sense of