The anatomy of violence: the biological roots of crime

Abstract

THE ANATOMY OF VIOLENCE: THE BIOLOGICAL ROOTS OF CRIME Adrian Raine (2013) London: Allen Lane pp496 25 [pounds sterling] ISBN: 978-1846143076 The name Lombroso is seen differently in Adrian Raine's latest book, Anatomy of Violence. Within the field of criminology, it is general knowledge that though Cesare Lombroso brought scientific methodology to the study of crime, his findings are widely discredited as they posit that criminality is genetic and is identifiable through many physiological features. But with Raine's ability to shift once infamous ideas into thought provoking ones, Lombroso is depicted as a criminologist who had the right idea regarding the origins of crime. In Anatomy of Violence, Raine sends the reader on a journey of developments in neurocriminology, arguing for the consideration of biological factors in crime policy. An unusual but refreshing combination of autobiography (the reader learns how Raine established his interests in the biology of crime), quirk (comic book hero Tintin is involved) and honesty (sometimes he admits that the relationships for crime and violence are complicated), the book clearly demonstrates Raine's passion and enthusiasm toward his research. Unlike a standard academic text that exclusively targets fellow scholars, Anatomy of Violence is an open invitation for anyone interested in crime. The approach is reminiscent of an amicable conversation between a teacher and student. The writing style acknowledges the reader, using plenty of yous. Raine aptly fuses mainstream references and his academic work to create accessibility to his lifetime's work, a skill that tends to be lacking in academia. Understanding plays a major role in the exchange as Raine provides numerous examples, stories and hypothetical scenarios for the reader to follow along. In a way, it is interactive, and the reader finishes the book knowing just as much about Adrian Raine as about his research, demonstrating that his life is intertwined with his work. Raine showcases ground breaking studies he and his colleagues have conducted, from abnormal areas of the brain to malnutrition, supporting evidence that crime, particularly violence, has a biological basis. But Raine is also honest with the reader. He points out the findings' limitations and contradictions and carefully emphasises that biological factors are not the only culprits increasing the likelihood for violence. Rather, the social environment plays an important interaction with biology to either protect or place individuals at risk for violence. The challenge for Raine is how to convince a sceptical reader that genetics and bad brains are responsible for some of the most horrendous and sensationalised acts of violence. …