Male criminality[edit]Male crime has also been explored through a biological lens. Most crimes are committed by men.
[93][94] Sociologist/criminologist
Lee Ellis put forward an evolutionary explanation for male criminality known as the
evolutionary neuroandrogenic (ENA) theory. The most brutal criminals in the world had the most testosterone, compared with those who were serving sentences for more harmless crimes.
[95][96][97][clarification needed] Therefore, Ellis posits that the human male brain has evolved in such a way as to be competitive at the verge of risk and gangsterism is an example of an extreme form of male behavior.
[98][82][83][clarification needed] Psychologist and professor
Mark van Vugt, from
VU University at
Amsterdam, Netherlands, has argued that human males have evolved more aggressive and group-oriented behavior in order to gain access to resources, territories, mates and higher status.
[99][100] His theory, the
Male Warrior hypothesis, posits that males throughout hominid history have evolved to form coalitions or groups in order to engage in inter-group aggression and increase their chances of acquiring resources, mates and territory.
[99][101] Vugt argues that this evolved male social dynamic explains the human
history of war to modern-day gang rivalry.
[99][101]