Crime and Inclusive Fitness: A Neo-Darwinian Perspective on Criminal Motivation

• In Event: Biosocial Development and Offending

Abstract

While prior theorizing suggests that crime is a result of poor social controls and criminogenic environments, the current study proposes that the motives for criminal behavior may be better understood by examining potential benefits to inclusive (evolutionary) fitness. Drawing on data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health (Add Health), the current study examines the effects of violence, drug use, and property offenses on sexual behavior. Analyses are conducted longitudinally on four waves of data. Regression models examine differences between males and females as well as differences among individuals with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds (i.e., Black, White, and Hispanic). Results indicate that as violent behavior increases over time, so do mating opportunities for males, as measured by increases in the number of sex partners reported, regardless of race or ethnicity. No such violence effects on sexual behavior were found for females of any race or ethnic group. Drug use and property offenses were not found to increase mating opportunities for males, and only among Black females were changes in drug use and property offenses found to increase the number of sex partners reported. Gender dissimilarities and cultural invariance are discussed.

Author

• Patrick Seffrin, Marywood University