Behavior Genetics and crime?

Question

Is violent behavior the result of genetics or the enviroment the peoson was raised in? I think both have some impact on behavior but what one has the more impact?

Answer 1

There is no scientific proof that behavior is based on purely genetics- this claim is based on pseudo-science, theory, not fact.

If crime and behavior linked to biology and social delinquency were to be 'fact,' then would it be safe to say that all people who have a genetic family history of high blood pressure are more violent/hostile/naturally aggressive, therefore, will all eventually become criminals? No.

When considering acts of crime, one must also look at the environmental factors that contribute to such behaviors. Do a cross-cultural/economic comparison of where crime is MOST prevalent. Informational data like that are more accurate.

If we resort to thinking that crime is genetically linked to behavior, then that also leads to profiling, hence, discrimination.

Answer 2

It's usally a result of their upbringing what they are taught by their parents and friends. Their is a small minority that are just born evil. Of course this does not include the people who are affected by drugs or alcohol.

Answer 3

I like how "mai dinh" framed her response and I tend to agree with that perspective.

My thinking involves looking at inherent human traits such as aggression and the drive/urge for survival that is present in all 6.6 billion of us.  Instead of linking a concept like "crime" to a physiological fact such as genetics, I try to drive the debate down several levels and begin at some point where the assumptions tend to be more factual -and empirical, and much less emotional -and opinionated.

If we agree that all humans are hard-wired with a drive for survival, then it seems reasonable to believe that, at some point, when survival is threatened (whether or not we can articulate that threat or even engage a conscious response to the threat), our universal, human genetics kick in (this is irrespective of geography, ethnicity, gender, age, etc).

Next, there is a "fight or flight" mechanism (biochemical) inherent within all humanity (both genders) that triggers a propensity to flee from a threat or stay and confront a threat.  Research has indicated that males -on average- tend to not flee and fight instead.  The chemicals responsible for this initial triggering effect are said to be stronger (more intense when activated) in males than females.

So, before we even enter the arena of nature versus nurture, there is strong evidence -across all of humanity- indicating that when it comes to survival, our so-called instincts drive all of us toward wanting to do whatever it takes to keep on living.

Now we can cross the street (so to speak) and look at environmental (nurture) factors that mitigate how frequently and how intensely those genetic factors may be triggered and, subsequently, how those environmental factors may then cause adaptations -no matter if aberrant or not- in the responding behaviors.

Again, it seems reasonable to assert that if a person, a family, a community, a state, a nation is relatively free from triggers that threaten its survival, the tendency to engage in crime (of which, laws are initially enacted in order to engender civil behavior in society and thereby reduce triggers for our aggressive and fight/flight genetics to come into play) must be considered to be reduced or not in play at all.

Conversely, if the environmental factors are relentlessly triggering the survival mode in a person, a family, a community, a nation, then it seems equally as reasonable to say that the environment is signaling the body to be constantly on guard for threats to its survival.  That regimen must eventually cause adaptations within the body that in turn encourage violent behavior.

To put another way, if all 6.6 billion people on earth were struggling -everyday- for survival, the world would be a morass of relentless violence ... of killing one another for the resources to survive ... and, as crazy at it seems- it would not be considered unusual or aberrant behavior ... simply everyone trying to survive.

However, over the course of history, different civilizations has developed to a point were civil society is much more preferred than the chaos and brutality of "every person for her/his-self."  and that's a great thing.  Unfortunately, with classifications as "developed, developing, and undeveloped" countries being a major part of the political and socio-economic landscape of 2008, there are formidable pockets of violence -especially when those struggling to survive come face-to-face with those who do not (consciously) have to think about survival at all.

Please recognize my reply does not condone violence or excuse the behaviors that result from the conditions that seem to propel it.  My response was merely an attempt to show that all of us -across this planet- are much more similar than we are different, especially when it comes to our hard-wiring.  And that violence is not a product of a certain person or personality, but more so the result of environmental triggers that call aggression and fight or flight responses into action.

As a final, rather introspective check on ourselves, ask, "When was the last time I was violent -and what triggered my violence?"

Answer 4

I can't cite the work but I read a study recently (in the last year) that found a disproportionate number of XYY men in jail.  Possibility that men who have the XYY makeup are more likely to act out violently or have poor self control and have poor social skills.  Just a theory.  Take a look at Wikipedia, I'm sure there's somethng there.

Answer 5

Which person?

There are physical causes and contributors to violence, and environmental causes and contributors.

Assuming that every violent person is violent for exactly the same reasons is silly.

People vary.

Answer 6

GENETICS PREDISPOSES A PERSON TO ACT IN CERTAIN MANNERS AND  GENETICS MERELY ADDS TO THE EFFICACY OF SPECIFIC ACTIONS. A BEING REARED ALONE WITHOUT ANY COMPANIONSHIP KNOWS NOT THE SENSATIONS OF LOVE, CARING, FRIENDSHIP, ETC. BUT PLACED INTO A SOCIAL ENVIRON THESE RESPONSES COME INTO PLAY; HOWEVER, THERE IS ALWAYS AN UNDERLYING RETICENCE IN RESPONDING.

CRIME IS A COMPLEX RESPONSE. IT COULD A CRIME OF PASSION, MENTAL INSTABILITY, ACCIDENTAL, ETC.