The Neurobiology of Criminal Behavior: Gene-Brain-Culture Interaction

by Anthony Walsh, Jonathan D. Bolen

Overview

The main feature of this work is that it explores criminal behavior from all aspects of Tinbergen's Four Questions. Rather than focusing on a single theoretical point of view, this book examines the neurobiology of crime from a biosocial perspective. It suggests that it is necessary to understand some genetics and neuroscience in order to appreciate and apply relevant concepts to criminological issues. Presenting up-to-date information on the circuitry of the brain, the authors explore and examine a variety of characteristics, traits and behavioral syndromes related to criminal behavior such as ADHD, intelligence, gender, the age-crime curve, schizophrenia, psychopathy, violence and substance abuse. This book brings together the sociological tradition with the latest knowledge the neurosciences have to offer and conveys biological information in an accessible and understanding way. It will be of interest to scholars in the field and to professional criminologists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138117198
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/24/2017
Pages:	232
Sales rank:	761,108
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Anthony Walsh is a professor of criminology and criminal justice at Boise State University, Idaho, USA. He is the author or co-author of 26 books and over 100 journal articles. His main interests are biosocial criminology, statistics, and the philosophy of law. Jonathan D. Bolan is a graduate student specializing in the neurobiology of criminal behavior.

Table of Contents

Contents: Foreword; Preface; The basic brain; Neurochemistry, gene-cultural coevolution, and criminal behavior; Brain development, abuse-neglect, and criminality; ADHD, comorbid disorders, and criminal behavior; The age-crime curve, puberty, and brain maturation; Substance abuse disorders, epigenetic plasticity, and criminal behavior; Intelligence, nature/nurture, and criminal behavior; Schizophrenia, brain development, and criminal behavior; Criminal violence and the brain; Gender, crime, and the brain; The psychopath: the quintessential criminal; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

A Yankee Book Peddler UK Core Title for 2012 'This book presents extremely interesting and valuable information about the importance of neurobiology in the understanding of criminal behavior. It throws new light on many important issues such as the age-crime curve, gender differences in crime, low intelligence and crime, violence, psychopathy, hyperactivity, and the effects of substance abuse. It should be essential reading for all criminologists.' David P. Farrington, University of Cambridge, UK 'For biosocial criminologists, a small but growing group, this book will be a handy resource on very familiar material. For criminologists who are brand new to a neurobiological approach to understanding crime, the book is a fun, handy and relevant overview of material that will get even the most novice of readers up to speed. For the lay person who simply enjoys learning about criminal behavior, The Neurobiology of Criminal Behavior is a great place to start. I strongly recommend this book.' Criminal Law & Criminal Justice Books

From the Publisher