Situating Criminological Theory within the Biosocial Perspective: How Biosocial Research Can Inform Mainstream Theoretical Explanations of Crime and Delinquency

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

Contemporary biosocial research suggests that many of the causes, correlates, and consequences associated with crime and delinquency are the direct result of both genetic and environmental sources. While this body of research has resulted in a significant amount of empirical and methodological progress, little attention has been devoted towards explaining how such findings can inform theoretical perspectives aimed at elucidating the etiological development of antisocial and criminal behavior. In an effort to spark theoretical development within the biosocial perspective, the current roundtable discusses how biosocial research can boost the explanatory power of individual-level and neighborhood-level theories of crime. After touching on how biosocial research can inform criminological theory, the current roundtable also discusses how biosocial findings can produce more targeted and effective criminal justice policy.

Sub Unit

• Area VIII: Roundtables

Chair

• Eric J. Connolly, Pennsylvania State University, Abington

Discussants

• Joseph A. Schwartz, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• J.C. Barnes, University of Cincinnati

• Brian B. Boutwell, Saint Louis University

• Joseph L. Nedelec, University of Cincinnati

• Michael Rocque, Maine Department of Corrections / Bates College