A General Paradigm for Understanding Criminal Behavior: Extending Evolutionary Ecological Theory*

Abstract

A paradigm is presented for developing and extending Cohen andMachalek's evolutionary ecological theory of expropriative crime to encompass all criminal behavior. The paradigm uses well-understood concepts f r o m evolutionary ecology to identify the scope and scale necessary for a holistic understanding of crime. It demonstrates how consistent empirical findings and insights f r o m the many disciplines that study crime may be integrated into a single comprehensive theoretical framework. A t the micro level, it explains how individual criminal behavior is influenced, but not determined, by systematic interactions between factors at ecological, individual, and societal levels over the life cou.rse. A t the macro level, it explains the evolution of population-level characteristics such as the frequency and type of crime-and approaches to crime control-as the cumulative result of the behaviors of individuals and their interactions with one another and the environment. If the proposed relationships between domains of variables can be refined, it appears possible to develop a truly general theory of criminal behavior. Research and policy implications of this approach to understanding crime are discussed.This paper presents a paradigm1 for developing and extending Cohen ~~ ~~ . A paradigm is essentially a pre-theory whose role is to help us see a previously obscure puzzle in a new way. A paradigm should define a broad sweep of reality by using a systematically organized set of concepts that are practical tools for solving puzzles within its domain. It also should suggest how those concepts should be used and 1.

Crime and Conflict: Homicide in Evolutionary Psychological Perspective

“…If criminal activity derives from interpersonal conflicts of interest, then criminological understanding would surely benefit from a sound theory of the fundamental nature of self-interests (Cohen and Machalek 1988;Daly andWilson 1988a, 1988b;Vila 1994;Machalek 1995). Where do interests overlap and where do they conflict?…”

Telephoning Fish: An Examination of the Creative Deviance Used by Wildlife Violators in the United States

“…Expropriative criminals are most likely to be innovative in their criminal endeavors. Vila (1994) extends this theoretical explanation of criminal behavior as a general theory that integrates aspects of several other crime theories. His integrated developmental theory synthesizes macro and micro level factors with the influences of evolutionary ecology in human interactions to explain criminality.…”

“…Poachers are in competition with law enforcement, other poachers and legitimate hunters who are also reducing the number of accessible plants and animals. Vila's (1994) extension of Cohen and Machalak's theory provides a clear link between research on this theory and policy. By developing counterstrategies to crime that take into account the criminal counterstrategy, criminal acts can be prevented.…”

“…In noting that humans are strategists, Vila (1994) points out that humans can develop and alter strategies that maximize benefits even without being aware of it. Furthermore, the pursuit of self benefit may utilize strategies with which the perpetrators are most psychologically comfortable.…”

“…As he (Vila 1994: 323-324) states, "Internal psychodynamics also reinforce the development of strategic styles because people need to maintain some degree of consistency between self-image and behavior in order to avoid cognitive dissonance." Further, Vila (1994) asserts that strategies and counterstrategies of criminals and guardians should be viewed as a vital link between research, practice and policy. Society has approached crime prevention with deterrence strategies (which try to reduce the criminal's motivation), protection or avoidance strategies (by incapacitating offenders), and nurturant strategies (which focus on childhood development).…”