Abstract

The purpose of this book is to explore a relationship between dyslexia and criminal behaviour. Since the 1960s a number of studies have been carried out that have developed links between criminal behaviour and dyslexia (Critchley 1968; Critchley and Critchley 1978; Tarter et al. 1995; Morgan 1996; Klein 1998; Jensen. et al. 1999; Kirk and Reid 2001; DA 2005). A recurring theme in these studies is the suggestion that people with dyslexia are considerably overrepresented within the prison system compared with the general population (DA 2005). Many of these studies attempt to explain this link through either a bio-medical model (Tarter et al. 1995; Heiervang et al. 2001) or a psycho-educational approach (Morgan 1996; Kirk and Reid 2001). Surprisingly, very little research has been conducted drawing on sociological explanations when exploring this relationship. The aim of this book is to consider a sociological rationale by applying a social model in an attempt to explain the link between dyslexia and criminal behaviour.