Evolutionary psychology and criminology

Bridget Joyner-Carpanini

Chapter 15 in Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology, 2026, pp 257-271 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Abstract: The following chapter synthesizes research examining antisocial behaviors and traits through an evolutionary lens. To do so, the chapter is divided into three sections. First, foundational theories of evolutionary psychology are discussed, highlighting key findings that explain crime as an adaptive function. Second, evolutionary theories and empirical work examining crime as an environmental adaptation are reviewed, focusing on conditional and alternative adaptation theories. Finally, the chapter explores how findings from evolutionary psychology can inform other areas of criminological study, including victimology and translational criminology. The hope for this chapter is that it inspires further research into the adaptive functions of criminal behavior and how this knowledge could be leveraged to reduce future crime.

Keywords: Evolutionary Criminology; Criminal Behavior; Antisocial Traits; R/k Selection Theory; Life History Theory; Adaptive Functions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332496
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