Examining Sociobiological Fitness Traits In Conjunction With The General Strain Theory In Convicted Rapists
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine if sociobiological theories are useful in studying deviant behavior. Due to sociobiology being a field that has only recently been developed, there is little research regarding the overlap between criminology and sociobiology. Using forcible rape as the conduit of research, this study examined if and how sociobiology stressors contributed to the General Strain Theory. Specifically, this research answered the question, "Were sociobiological fitness stressors present in convicted rapists prior to the offense(s)?" Using secondary source data, a content analysis was performed on five separate case studies to qualitatively assess what, if any, sociobiological fitness stressors were present in convicted rapists. Results show that four of the five case studies do in fact have sociobiological stressors lending strength to the General Strain Theory in first time convicted rapists.