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Genetics vs environment criminal behavior
Genetics vs environment criminal behavior
Genetics vs environment criminal behavior
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Question 2: Biological perspectives can be useful in many aspects when explaining criminal activity. Often times an individual’s genes and socialization influences are the focus of explaining criminal behavior. Hereditary traits can influence conditions such as antisocial behavior causing one to participate in criminal activity (Wilson & Scarpa, 2012). However, if the environment is one in such no wrong doing or criminal activity is present, then the individual within that environment will be less likely to commit a wrong doing. When there is evidence of substance abuse within a family environment, the chances of other family members using or abusing drugs, alcohol, and participating in criminal activity is greater unless the environment
Wilson, Jim. Criminal Genes. Popular Science. Pars International Corp. New York, NY. November 12, 2002. http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/research/1282176.html
Within the past decade there has been a wide range of research and evidence available based on both sides of the nature or nurture debate. Along with further research that identifies a number of determinants that have some form of influence towards criminal behavior and activity. This researc...
In furthering a genetically predisposed and socially-influenced explanation, there is an abundance of considerations when explicating criminal behaviour; for example, a non aggressive, psychologically sound individual may be influenced by peer pressure into recreational drug usage, as “Psychoactive drug abuse commonly results from a combination of low self-esteem, peer pressure, inadequate coping skills, and curiosity.” (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005) therefore suggesting that light recreational drug abuse can accrue to a dependence due to a multitude of social influences, which invariably leads to further crime in order to financially support an addiction.
The most vivid example of the biological determinism is the theory of Cesare Lombroso. Lombroso based his theory on the assumption that criminals have certain physiognomic features or abnormalities. Lombroso wanted to be able to detect future criminals in order to isolate them from the society. This gave criminology a strong push to create new methods of dealing with criminals and prevent crimes. Lombroso implied that prisoners had common facial characteristics. If to exaggerate criminals in Lombroso’s theory can be identified through the shape of their skulls, asymmetry of the face and head, large cheekbones, ears and lips, long arms and a twisted nose. Lombroso’s theory is the oldest one and it can without a doubt be called the main background data for the whole process of the development of criminology. Lombroso stated that men are more inclined to commit crimes due to the conservatism and the narrow-mindedness of their interests. According to Lombroso women have less social contacts and this is what predetermines their conservatism. Thi...
Some people believe that criminal behavior is based upon and individual upbringing and life experience (nurture), others believe that this behavior is part of a person’s genetic makeup (nature). Scientists have been debating about nature v. nurture for decades. Nurture proponents propose that environmental factors are a key component in the development of criminal behavior. Naturalist on the other hand proposes that criminal behavior can be inherited like a person’s height or eye color from their parents or ancestors.
6. Joseph, Jay. “Chapter 8: Is Crime in the Genes? A Critical Review of Twin and Adoption Studies of Criminal and Antisocial Behavior.” The Gene Illusion: Genetic Research in Psychiatry and Psychology under the Microscope, Algora Pub., 2004, pp. 278–279.
Trait theory views criminality as a product of abnormal biological or psychological traits. It is based on a mix between biological factors and environmental factors. Certain traits alone cannot determine criminality. We are born with certain traits and these traits along with certain environmental factors can cause criminality (Siegel, 2013). According to (Siegel, 2013), the study of sociobiology sparked interest in biological or genetic makeup as an explanation for crime and delinquency. The thought is that biological or genetic makeup controls human behavior, and if this is true, then it should also be responsible for determining whether a person chooses crime or conventional behavior. This theory is referred to as trait theory (Siegel, 2013). According to Siegel (2013), due to the fact that offenders are different, one cannot pinpoint causality to crime to just a single biological or psychological attribute. Trait theorist looks at personal traits like intelligence, personality, and chemical and genetic makeup; and environmental factors, such as family life, educational attainment, economic factors, and neighborhood conditions (Siegel, 2013). There are the Biosocial Trait theories an...
1. Cesare Lombroso applied the methods of natural science (observation, measurement, experimentation, statistical analysis) to the study of criminal behavior. Lombroso rejected the classical theory of crime, associated with Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, which explained criminal activity as freely chosen behavior based on the rational calculation of benefit and loss, pleasure and pain. Critically analyze both schools of thought and provide an opinion as to what theory you believe is more relevant.
All the same, it is necessary for psychological and biological approaches to collaborate to acquire a better definition of criminality. Without biology, it is challenging for psychological approaches to back up their theories. Like the key variables of biological factors, that helps psychological approach in assessing risk factors. For instance, Farrington’s long-term anti-social potential, which includes key factors of impulsivity, low IQ, etc. usually requires biology aspects to it (Heidt, 2014).
They also explore the myths about the connection between genetic factors and criminal behavior. The first myth they looked at was “Identifying the Role of Genetics in Criminal Behavior Implies That There Is a “Crime Gene.”” This myth is dismissed because of the unlikelihood that that a single gene is responsible for criminal behavior. The second myth they look at is “Attributing Crime to Genetic Factors is Deterministic.” This myth is also easily dismissed because of the fact that just because someone has a predisposition to a certain behavior doesn’t mean that the person will take on that behavior.
Additionally, violent criminal behaviour is inherent in parents of criminals (Lyons 2007). The twin study is a study of a group of identical twins, which had either both or a single parent with a criminal background or record (Kendler et al. 2014). Each identical twin within a pair were adopted and raised in different households since birth (Kendler et al. 2014). The study of twins allowed the researcher to distinguish which behaviours are the cause of nurture (upbringing) and what are the result of nature (genetic makeup) (Connolly & Beaver 2013; Lyons 2007). The sets of twins were assessed for similarities and differences among their behaviours (Kendler et al. 2014). The results revealed that despite the up bringing in separate households the twins possessed very similar behaviours and later followed their biological parents in obtaining a criminal record in adulthood (Kendler et al. 2014). This finding proves that criminal nature is hereditary and can be inherent through generations. Additionally a documentary, My Brother the Serial Killer, based on the serial killer Glen Rogers, supports the belief that criminal and aggressive behaviours is genetic and not caused by external environmental factors (Monaghan 2012). In this case the brother of Glen Rogers speaks out about the crimes and the arrest of his serial killer brother (Monaghan 2012). What is interesting to observe in this documentary that both Glen’s sister and brother did not display extreme violent nature like Glen had, although they were raised in same household. This behavioural difference can be understood by genetic variations or mutations that Glen possessed and his siblings did not. Overall, the twin study and Glen prove that our genes predispose our
TANNENBAUN, B, (2007),Profs link criminal behaviour to genetics [online] , Available at: http://thedp.com/index.php/article/2007/11/profs_link_criminal_behavior_to_genetics [accessed 16th October 2011].
Jones, C. M. (2005). Genetic and Environmental Influences on Criminal Behavior: Rochester Institute of Technology. Retrieved November 29, 2017, from
Criminality constitutes strategic mannerisms characterized by apathy to misery inflicted on others, egocentricity and depressed self-control. Habitual criminal behaviour seeks to satisfy the offender’s desires for material prestige, power or pleasurable feelings regardless to damage inflicted to victim or society. Such behaviors extend mistrust, fuel prejudice, and largely corrupt social cohesion. Biological, psychological and environmental attributes are thought to heavily influence antisocial and criminal behaviour. Numerous studies have proven that active emulation, genetic predispositions and psychosocial labeling are all complementary to development and expressions of criminal behaviour. There has historically been a myriad of theories that attempt to explain criminal behaviour through different perspectives, all which constitute intricate paradigms that play a role in expressio...
There are more contemporary biological theories that have since developed. However, most are still nearly impossible to prove true; for example, the genetic theory of crime in fraternal and identical twins. This study is supposed to provide evidence that those who are born with the same genetically heritable trait are more prone to crime than fraternal twins or siblings because of the ...