Biographical pathways into criminality: understanding the relationship between dyslexia and educational disengagement

Abstract

Since the 1960s, studies in the psycho-sciences have implied that people with dyslexia are at increased risk of engaging in criminal behaviours. There are two common themes that have emerged from this research. Firstly, studies that employ a psycho-medical model imply that the correlation between dyslexia and crime is embedded within neurological physiology of individuals. Secondly, an educational approach has developed which suggests that, because of the educational failure of (some) people with dyslexia, it is easy for this group to drift into criminality. The aim of this study is to investigate the phenomena of dyslexia and conceptualise criminal behaviour from the perspective of people with this condition. By using biographies, this will go beyond an individualised approach to redefine dyslexia and crime using a social model perspective.

Keywords:

• dyslexia
• narratives
• crime
• social model

Notes

1. Antisocial behaviours usually consist of activities such as vandalism, drinking alcohol in public places, public displays of sexual promiscuity, driving offences, low-level dealing or using drugs, low-level theft and aggressive and violent behaviours (see section 1 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and DirectGov 2012).