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  • Writer's pictureIoana Samoila

Anthropological Criminology



A distinct and broad subfield of criminology research and anthropology is anthropological criminology. By looking at the interaction of cultural, social, and biological elements, it provides a unique viewpoint on crime, delinquency, and deviance.


With the writings of academics like Cesare Lombroso and Enrico Ferri, anthropological criminology may trace its roots back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These early pioneers looked beyond conventional social and psychological theories on their quest to understand criminal behavior. For instance, Lombroso popularized the concept of the "born criminal," contending that some people have a genetic predisposition to crime as a result of their physical and biological characteristics.



KEY CONCEPTS


Anthropological criminology investigates how biological elements play a part in criminal conduct. This involves research on how the human genome, the brain, and hormones affect criminal inclination. Modern science has refuted some of the more extreme biological determinism theories, but it has also made way for a more complex understanding of how genetics and environment interact.


This subfield stresses how crucial it is to take into account cultural norms and values when defining and evaluating criminal activity. Something that might be prohibited in one society might be socially acceptable in another. This viewpoint questions the universality of criminal concepts and emphasizes the significance of cultural context.


Also, it investigates the effects of social structures including family, community, and peer groups on criminal conduct. It looks at how socialization processes affect people, with special emphasis on how social learning plays a part in criminal behavior.



CONTRIBUTIONS TO CRIMINOLOGY


A holistic understanding of criminal conduct is provided by anthropological criminology, which takes into account a wide range of factors, including biology, genetics, culture, and socialization. This method deepens our understanding of the intricacy of crime.


By acknowledging cultural relativism (not judging a culture to our own standards of what is right or wrong, strange or normal), anthropological criminology contributes to a more inclusive understanding of crime. It recognizes that criminal behavior is not a one-size-fits-all concept and varies across different cultural and social contexts.



CONCLUSION


A dynamic and crucial area of research in the study of crime and criminal behavior is anthropological criminology. It questions accepted theories on criminal behavior by examining the complex interactions between biology, culture, and society. This strategy underlines the value of cultural variety and context in resolving crime-related issues while also expanding our understanding of why people commit crimes. Anthropological criminology is still a useful instrument in the fight for a safer and more equitable society in a rapidly evolving planet.


BIBLIOGRAPHY


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