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Sociobiology, sociopathy, and social policy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 February 2010

Richard Machalek*
Affiliation:
Department of Sociology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071. machalek@uwyo.edu

Abstract

Evolutionary analysis suggests that policies based on deterrence may cope effectively with primary sociopathy if the threat of punishment fits the crime in the cost/benefit calculus of the sociopath, not that of the public. On the other hand, policies designed to offset serious disadvantage in social competition may help inhibit the development of secondary sociopathy, rather than deter its expression.

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