Genes
My Genes made me do it! Consider the Genetic Influences on Criminal Behaviour.
My Genes made me do it! Consider the Genetic Influences on Criminal Behaviour.
A gene is a sequence on DNA that has a specific region on the chromosome, which determines a particular characteristic in an organism. For many years it has been thought that there are specific genes responsible for certain behaviour and so there is a gene for criminal behaviour. In the first half of the twentieth century psychologists studied the heritability differences of people and had an aim to improve the gene pool within humans (Kevles, 1985; Duster, 1990 & Paul 1995). There research did not lead to much good for the human race but rather restrictive immigration policies and sterilisation laws in western countries. Also, Nazi Germany who always had an idea of ‘improving’ humanity had mass sterilisation and euthanasia within their country. Following World War two the study of genes improved compared to past years, techniques came available which could isolate and manipulate genetic material. To this day these techniques are being used to assess patterns of inheritance. Although it is not certain which genes cause criminal behaviour there are ongoing studies which may provide the answers. In recent years research has concentrated on the genetic influences on criminal behaviour, the emphasis has been moved from environmentalist approach. Environmentalists argue that that genetic explanation of criminal behaviour involves medicalization of social behaviour and diverts thoughts away from social and economic conditions (Wasserman & Wachbroit, 2001). Criminal behaviour usually involves aggression; this can be defined as actions or intentions to harm someone else. These actions however, do not have to involve physical harm. Nevertheless aggression does usually result in violence which can lead to physical contact and harm. This paper will discuss why the genetic approach has the
My Genes made me do it! Consider the Genetic Influences on Criminal Behaviour.
A gene is a sequence on DNA that has a specific region on the chromosome, which determines a particular characteristic in an organism. For many years it has been thought that there are specific genes responsible for certain behaviour and so there is a gene for criminal behaviour. In the first half of the twentieth century psychologists studied the heritability differences of people and had an aim to improve the gene pool within humans (Kevles, 1985; Duster, 1990 & Paul 1995). There research did not lead to much good for the human race but rather restrictive immigration policies and sterilisation laws in western countries. Also, Nazi Germany who always had an idea of ‘improving’ humanity had mass sterilisation and euthanasia within their country. Following World War two the study of genes improved compared to past years, techniques came available which could isolate and manipulate genetic material. To this day these techniques are being used to assess patterns of inheritance. Although it is not certain which genes cause criminal behaviour there are ongoing studies which may provide the answers. In recent years research has concentrated on the genetic influences on criminal behaviour, the emphasis has been moved from environmentalist approach. Environmentalists argue that that genetic explanation of criminal behaviour involves medicalization of social behaviour and diverts thoughts away from social and economic conditions (Wasserman & Wachbroit, 2001). Criminal behaviour usually involves aggression; this can be defined as actions or intentions to harm someone else. These actions however, do not have to involve physical harm. Nevertheless aggression does usually result in violence which can lead to physical contact and harm. This paper will discuss why the genetic approach has the