Several pieces of research on genetics have characterized a firm believer in the existence of genetic influence on criminal behavior. Research on twins also plays a critical duty in the determination of the presence of such theories. Mental and physical disorders also have a significant contribution to such kinds of behavior. Nonetheless, scholars have sufficient evidence that environmental factors and childhood experiences have a considerable impact on criminal behavior. Other pieces of research also show that not all cases of the relevant environmental factors do influence criminal activities on people. The outcome of such biological and ecological testimony can play an essential duty while working on matters of criminal activities.
Introduction
Sociologists and psychologists continue to argue on whether people are predisposed to criminal behavior due to their genetic makeup or the illegal activities owe their origin to environmental experiences or childhood experiences. Genes have a robust influence on the brain functioning of an individual and as such impacts behavior and criminality of a human. All human beings with the exception of identical twins are genetically unique. That can assist in explaining the behavioral differences in persons that have subjected to similar social and environmental influences. Most studies are premised on biosocial perspective in which an individual is capable of determining if a person will take part in a criminal undertaking.
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Research objectives
Crime is on the rise across the continent, and therefore it is essential to study its predisposing factors with a view to developing a framework for its effective management. The study objectives are
i.) To ascertain whether individuals are predisposed to criminal behaviour due to genetic makeup
ii.) To ascertain whether crime owes its origin in childhood experiences or environmental conditions.
Hypothesis
The hypotheses of the study are;
i.) Criminal behavior is linked to the genetic makeup of an individual
ii.) Crime possesses their origin in childhood experiences and environmental conditions.
Genetic influences on criminal behavior
Genetic theories have always remained a stalemate on the explanation of the quasi-biological behaviors. When data on crime suspect samples are researched, and results on their genetic makeup are analyzed, there is similarity that is seen in these persons with criminal tendencies (Gajos, Fagan & Beaver, 2016).
A cross checks in the genetic combinations show that a number of the genes can easily factor in the cases of ASPD. The brains front cortex is where LRFN2 and LINC00951 genes are expressed, and is also the area through which determines and regulates the behavior of an individual. Some of the acute ASPD symptoms entail aggressiveness, deceitfulness, irresponsibility, and little or no regard for the safety of self or others (Gajos, Fagan & Beaver, 2016).
There is a compelling body of knowledge based on a behavioral genetic study that heritable influences are of fundamental significance in the growth of antisocial behavior. An approximate value of fifty percent of the entire variance in the criminal behavior gets its explanation through genetic influences (DeLisi, 2016).
Childhood Experiences and Environmental Conditions
An environment in which a person is subjected as they grow has a significant influence on their social behavior. The family environment is crucial in the general upbringing of a child, and there is a problem; most likely, the child will also develop a problem. The family environment has a significant influence on the hyperactivity of the children. That includes the family risk factors for instance education, parenting practices, poverty, and the structure of the family (Vitaro, Brendgen & Tremblay, 2017). Children that are raised up in a stimulating home environment and consistent techniques of discipline are most likely to promote good social behavior in the children. Families that have weak family bonds and poor communication have been indicated to possess a correlation to the development of a child’s aggressive behavior. Some of the families that are less financially sound and most likely have more children and those that unable to continually punish their children are at high risk of promoting an antisocial or delinquent behavior in children. Different pieces of statistical research indicate that children that were abused or neglected are at fifty percent of engaging in antisocial behavior (Odgers & Russell, 2017).
Peer groups and influences have a significant impact in engaging in delinquent behaviors. Poor peer relationships have significant power in making a person to follow a wrong path. Such behaviors can grow from childhood, and they continue with them into adulthood. When a person has criminal parents indicates a high-risk factor in running offensive behaviors (Odgers & Russell, 2017). They can easily inculcate such wrong behavior into the children and continue with such into adulthood.
In conclusion, it can be censoriously realized that an interaction between gene and the environment can quickly determine the criminal behavior of a person. Possession of a genetic predisposition for criminal behavior has no determination on the actions of a person. When they are in exposure to the correct environment, then there is a higher probability of engaging in criminal behavior. Genes and environment remain the vital predisposing ideas towards illegal activities. People that exposed to rogue situations from their parents and the community at large are most likely to resort to delinquent behavior.
References
DeLisi, M. (2016). Career criminals and the antisocial life course. Child Development Perspectives , 10 (1), 53-58.
Gajos, J. M., Fagan, A. A., & Beaver, K. M. (2016). Use of Genetically Informed Evidence ‐ Based Prevention Science to Understand and Prevent Crime and Related Behavioral Disorders. Criminology & Public Policy , 15 (3), 683-701.
Odgers, C. L., & Russell, M. A. (2017). What Can Genetically Informed Research Tell Us about the Causes of Crime? Measuring Crime and Criminality .
Vitaro, F., Brendgen, M., & Tremblay, R. E. (2017). Interplay between Genetic and Environmental Influences on the Development of Aggressive–Antisocial Behavior during Childhood and Adolescence. The Wiley Handbook of Violence and Aggression .
