Fitting the Facts of Crime: An Invitation to Biopsychosocial Criminology
Author: Chad Posick, Michael Rocque, & J.C. Barnes
Publisher: Temple University Press, 2022. 222 pages.
Reviewer: Sandy Xie | January 2024
In Fitting the Facts of Crime, the three authors argue that the thirteen well-known “facts of crime” first introduced by John Braithwaithe can be bolstered and expanded upon using a biopsychosocial approach. Their main goal is to apply evidence from biopsychosocial criminology as a field to these “facts.” These “facts” are that “crime is disproportionately committed by men, crime is disproportionately committed by young people, crime is disproportionately committed by unmarried people, crime is disproportionately committed by people living in large cities, crime is disproportionately committed by people who have experienced high residential mobility and who live in areas characterized by high residential mobility, school commitment is linked to lower crime, school success is linked to lower crime, attachment to parents is linked to lower crime, delinquent associations/peers are linked to higher crime, believed in the legitimacy of the law is linked to lower crime, being in an oppressed social category increases crime, and crime rates have been increasing in the Western world since World War II” (p. 148).
The main chapters of the book tackle a specific set of the thirteen “facts” relating to criminal behavior–discussing sex, age, and class differences, peer associations and social learning, social control and relationships, stress and strain, and the criminal justice system and law.
Each chapter begins with a real-life story that relates to the central theme–such as discussing a female serial killer in the chapter about sex differences, which hooks the reader. Then, the main criminological theories that fall under each aspect are summarized along with empirical evidence from a wide range of studies. This allows even those unfamiliar or needing a refresher on criminological theories to understand the basis for each “fact.” After discussing the traditional theories, the authors then apply a biopsychosocial perspective to each aspect. They introduce concepts such as brain structure and function, hormones and neurotransmitters, genetics, nutrition, resting heart rate, evolution, and other biological factors that interact with social and environmental factors contributing to criminal behavior. Each chapter, as well as a specific chapter at the end of the book, provides solutions and answers to how biology can be integrated into reform and other programs to reduce recidivism and prevent criminal behavior. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), nutritional interventions, and genome testing. Finally, the authors end each chapter with unanswered questions about each aspect, allowing for discussion and future research development.
Overall, this book is a wonderful introduction to those interested in a biopsychosocial approach because it is accessible and well-organized. It makes solid connections between traditional theories and newer biopsychosocial theories, as well as emphasizes that criminal behavior is not just the result of social factors or biological factors alone but a combination of both. Anyone in the criminology and criminal justice field would benefit from reading this book to expand their existing knowledge of how integrating a biopsychosocial approach can provide a broader understanding of criminal behavior and crime in general.
Sandy Xie is a PhD Candidate at Rutgers School of Criminal Justice.
