Institute of Criminology Public Seminars: 'It's nature AND nurture: Integrating biological factors to social learning theory'

Speaker: Bryanna Hahn, Ph.D Student ? Institute of Criminology.

This PhD seminar precedes the seminar to be given by Professor Adrian Raine at 5.30pm.

Is criminal behaviour a product of human nature or nurture? This has been an enduring question among
behavioural theorists, and a debate that still perplexes criminologists today. While a wealth of successful theories
have emerged from criminology in recent years, the field has yet to find a single model that explains a significant
portion of variance in individuals? criminal and deviant behaviour.

However, the biosocial perspective has been highly successful in recent research, given the inclusion of both
biological and social factors in the theoretical model. This perspective takes various biological and sociological
factors into account, ranging from genes and hormones, to peer influence and maternal attachment. Still, no
socially-based criminological theory has yet been integrated with biological factors, leaving a significant and
conspicuous gap in our field?s mainstream theories.

It is therefore of great benefit to the field of criminology, as well as our understanding of criminal behaviour, that
an integration of our successful social-based theories and biological influences occurs. This presentation aims to
guide such integration, using Social Learning as the framework and model for such a propositional integration.

All seminars are held in Seminar Room B3, Institute of Criminology, Sidgwick Ave, Cambridge, CB3 9DA. A drinks reception in the basement foyer will follow this seminar for attendees.

The IoC Public Seminar Series is open to all interested in attending, with no ticket required. If you wish to be added to the seminar mailing list, please contact: Joanne Garner, on: jf225@cam.ac.uk