> Probing biology's influence on crime
Probing biology's influence on crime
January 22, 2007
Gail Anderson’s new book — the first written by Simon Fraser University’s veteran ‘bug lady’ — makes a case for biology’s influence on criminal behavior.
Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior questions the way criminologists have traditionally ignored or dismissed biological factors when attempting to explain criminal behavior.
“Biology certainly does not cause crime on its own, but a person’s biological makeup is a major contributor, just as environment and upbringing are,” says Anderson, a professor of forensic entomology in SFU’s school of criminology. “If you ignore biology you ignore part of the equation.”
The textbook introduces criminologists, students, as well as interested general readers to contemporary research in genetics, biochemistry, diet, and brain disease.
Anderson explores biological hypotheses such as natural selection and evolution in relation to behavior, and considers genetic variables including inheritance patterns, sex-linked characteristics and aggressive tendencies.
She discusses research on hormonal effects, brain chemistry and organic brain dysfunction, investigations into fetal conditions and birth-related difficulties, and research on nutrition and food allergies.
Anderson began her pioneering studies of how insects can provide evidence in homicide cases nearly two decades ago. She continues to serve as a forensics consultant to the RCMP and city police across Canada.
Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior is published by CRC Press/Taylor and Francis Group/SFU Publications (2006).
Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior questions the way criminologists have traditionally ignored or dismissed biological factors when attempting to explain criminal behavior.
“Biology certainly does not cause crime on its own, but a person’s biological makeup is a major contributor, just as environment and upbringing are,” says Anderson, a professor of forensic entomology in SFU’s school of criminology. “If you ignore biology you ignore part of the equation.”
The textbook introduces criminologists, students, as well as interested general readers to contemporary research in genetics, biochemistry, diet, and brain disease.
Anderson explores biological hypotheses such as natural selection and evolution in relation to behavior, and considers genetic variables including inheritance patterns, sex-linked characteristics and aggressive tendencies.
She discusses research on hormonal effects, brain chemistry and organic brain dysfunction, investigations into fetal conditions and birth-related difficulties, and research on nutrition and food allergies.
Anderson began her pioneering studies of how insects can provide evidence in homicide cases nearly two decades ago. She continues to serve as a forensics consultant to the RCMP and city police across Canada.
Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior is published by CRC Press/Taylor and Francis Group/SFU Publications (2006).