An evolutionary basis for crime
Aspects of Darwin’s evolutionary theory can help us understand criminality, a speaker at this month’s Cafe Scientifique meeting says.
Dr Russil Durrant is a senior lecturer in Victoria University’s School of Social and Cultural Studies, specialising in criminal and forensic psychology. His talk on Thursday in Lower Hutt will cover the importance of biological and cultural evolutionary processes (nature versus nurture), which can significantly advance our understanding of criminal behaviour and be used to develop more effective prevention and rehabilitation programmes.
Durrant and Professor Tony Ward, from the School of Psychology, recently published Evolutionary Criminology: Towards a Comprehensive Explanation for Crime, which he says ‘‘synthesises’’ their own work and other studies.
Durrant told Hutt News that changes in societies’ beliefs and culture have shaped crime. While humans are largely ‘‘pro-social and co- operative’’, criminal offending patterns can be identified.
From an evolutionary perspective, males are competing against other males in contest for sexual partners. That has pointers for us in the crimes that human males commit, particularly in terms of aggression.
A better understanding of the causes of crime ‘‘should put us in a better place to intervene’’.
We might focus on developing more ‘‘pro-social strategies’’ to get offenders to change their behaviour.
Durrant’s Cafe Scientifique talk, followed by the usual Q&A session, happens at Wholly Bagels, 34 Knights Rd, Lower Hutt, 6-7pm on Thursday May 28. These events are hosted by GNS Science, the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Wellington Branch, and Hutt City Council.