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Theories Of Crime: Nature Vs. Nurture Debate

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The age old question of why juveniles commit crime is one that will never end. There are multiple theories that attempt to explain this occurrence, but two specific concepts stand out above the rest. It’s the nature versus nurture debate. This debate involves the belief that it is either the environment or biological traits that eventually lead juveniles to criminal behavior. Does some type of “evil gene” exist that causes some to commit crimes? There are some that feel that criminal behavior is due to a person’s upbringing and/or life experiences (“nurture”). Others feel that criminal behavior is much more than environmental factors and involves a person’s genetic makeup (“nature”). Are people just born that way? Is criminal behavior …show more content…
Many often wonder whether it is possible to determine a direct link between genetics and criminal behavior. “Many genes may affect brain functioning in ways that either increase or reduce the chances of individuals learning various complex behavior patterns” (Cullen, Agnew, & Wilcox, 2014). There have also been multiple research studies that have all come to the same conclusion. Adrian Rane, a well-known bio-psychologist, once stated that “despite strong resistance in many quarters, there is now little scientific doubt that genes play a significant role in antisocial behavior.” Therefore, it is at the moment of conception that genetics begin to play a role in the development of traits that have the ability to lead an individual to choose to engage in criminal behavior. “Some genes are expressed or turned on (or not) because of physical, social, and cultural factors in the environment; and some genes—for example, those that influence difficult temperament, impulsivity, novelty seeking, and lack of empathy—predispose people to be exposed to environmental risks.” (Kaiser & Rasminsky, 2010). Children learn from their both their parents and their environment. An example of this would be a child that has been raised in a home where violence is common. That particular child has a much higher chance at being impulsive and expressing emotions positively. Another perfect example would be addiction. Addiction is a biological trait that is passed on through generations. It not only possible for a child to be born with an addiction to illegal substances, but also they have a higher chance of becoming addicted when they are exposed to a substance later in life. So, there is a high probability that if they carried a gene that it would predispose them to an addictive personality, and once exposed to a particular situation, they were easily led to criminal behavior. Biological factors also play a part in early childhood

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