Comparison between two books - Essay Example

This study aims at examining and analyzing the approaches used by two books in explaining criminological issues and the criminal justice system in America. The two books are Criminological Theories and Rebuilding Justice. In the third chapter of Criminological theories, the book discusses biosocial and biological theories of crime. The basis of these theories is the view that it is possible to observe and measure individual differences and that defects in individuals’ genetic and biological make up can predetermine one’s criminal behavior (Ronald and Christine, 2013).

Contemporary biological theories have tended to put more focus on differences in genetic and biological factors and how they interact with the external environment. The traditional theories stipulate that crime occurs as a result of biological abnormalities in individuals and the individuals therefore have no choice of their own to avoid criminal acts. Notable proponents of these theories include sociologists such as Cesare Lombroso, Ferrero William, Charles Goring, and Sarnoff Mednick among others.

Some of the biosocial and biological theories include the evolutionary theory that states that genetic criminal behavior is passed down to the next generations through the evolutionary process of natural selection; the biosocial arousal theory states that the level of arousal of an individual works according to the social environment around them (Ronald and Christine, 2013). Individuals with a lower arousal level are less capable of learning fast and moving at pace with the wider society and will thereof resort to criminal activities.

Biological theories approach the criminal justice system in a different view. Punishment is viewed as a way of deterring individuals from committing crimes, but it cannot effectively change the individuals’ biological characteristics that predispose them to criminal