Abstract
The role of biology in criminology has come a long way. Mostly gone are the days in which the discussion of XYY chromosomes, atavistic throwbacks, phrenology, and dated references pitting nature against nurture were the sole contribution of the “biological theory” chapter of most criminology textbooks. In their place, discussions of neurological structure and functioning, gene–environment interplay, behavioral endocrinology, and behavior genetics are becoming more and more likely to appear. This evolutionary adaptation is exciting in and of itself, but it is also symbolic of a larger shift in criminology. While still far from mainstream, biosocial criminology has wedged itself into the modern criminological landscape. Biosocial articles have begun to appear more frequently in some criminological journals, calls for biosocial research have been put forth by federal funding agencies, more biosocial criminology courses are being offered, and the number of students determined to study behavior from a biosocial perspective has grown year over year. Even with all of this progress, we still have a long road ahead of us. The journey before criminologists, biosocial or otherwise, presents real challenges but also exciting opportunities to better realize the full potential of the biosocial perspective in better informing existing theories, methodologies, and, yes, even policies.
In light of the progression of biosocial criminology within the last decade, this special issue is aimed at presenting modern advances in biosocial criminology. With this theme in mind, the special issue aims to address two objectives. First, we hoped to attract studies that demonstrate the diversity of research organized by the biosocial perspective. Modern biosocial research examines a broad range of topics, employs an extensive number of research methodologies and datasets, and informs an expansive set of theoretical perspectives. This diversity is reflected in the articles appearing in this issue, as the subject matter covered is relevant to many corners of mainstream criminology and criminal justice research. Three of the articles included in the special issue examine topics other than criminal offending but are still likely to be of interest to researchers working within a range of criminological subareas. Gajos, Russell, Cleveland, Vandenbergh, and Feinberg (2019) examine the contributions of gene–environment interplay in the association between romantic partner alcohol misuse and problem drinking behaviors in emerging adulthood. Portnoy, Legee, Raine, Choy, and Redo-Hutt (2019) examine the role of resting heart rate in the development of academic dishonesty, uncovering a pathway in which resting heart rate may impact overall levels of self-control, which, in turn, results in changes in behaviors related to academic dishonesty. TenEyck, El Sayed, and Barnes (2019) employ Belsky et al.’s (1991) sociobiological theory to examine the role of biological father absenteeism in female pubertal development in adolescence.
The second objective of the special issue was aimed at continuing to look forward and provide a framework for potential biosocial contributions to mainstream criminological research over the next decade. Directly in line with this objective, Lewis, Connolly, Boisvert, and Boutwell (2019) examine the etiological overlap between psychopathic personality traits and criminal behavior, highlighting the importance of considering psychopathy in future criminological research. Nedelec and Silver (2019) examine the impact of criminal justice contact on subsequent criminal behavior, taking into account genetically influenced selection-based processes. Similarly, Valgardson and Schwartz (2019) examine intergenerational influences on the perpetration of intimate partner violence by appropriately distinguishing between family-level and genetic influences. Finally, Glenn and McCauley (2019) provide a detailed discussion of the role of biosocial research in the development and evaluation of intervention programming aimed at reducing antisocial behavior.
We are genuinely excited about the future of biosocial criminology and the field of criminology more broadly. This special issue offers only a small sampling of the innovative, integrative, and truly interdisciplinary work currently shaping the future of the field. It is our sincere hope that this special issue will inspire other criminologists, whether they be students, young assistant professors, or seasoned academic veterans, to continue to integrate the biosocial perspective into criminological research. This integrative and interdisciplinary future is an exciting prospect that can provide benefits far beyond gaining a better understanding of human behavior. Such an understanding can lead to better intervention and prevention programming, which, in turn, can lead to increases in overall well-being and decreases in victimization and suffering. We have certainly come a long way, but our journey has just begun.