Citation

Duntley JD, Shackelford TK. Soc. Biol. 2004; 51(3-4): 161-5; discussion 171-3.

Affiliation

Florida Institute of Technology, USA. Joshua.duntley@gmail.com

Comment On:

Soc Biol. 2004 Fall-Winter;51(3-4):144-60

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Society for the Study of Social Biology)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17019829

Abstract

Most theories of crime have not explored intensively biological and especially evolutionary explanations for criminal behavior. Ellis presents a valuable new perspective that proposes that attention to physiological mechanisms shaped by evolutionary forces can provide insights into the causes of crime and sex differences in the patterns of crime. We discuss other theories and research relevant to Ellis' theory. We also propose that an evolutionary psychological perspective of crime will help to invigorate research and lead to a better understanding of criminality. An integrated evolutionary forensic psychology will help to explain sources of conflict between individuals, situations in which conflict leads to victimization, and victim defenses and coping mechanisms.

Language: en