Question

Do you believe there may be a "crime gene" that has yet to be discovered and causes the propensity to become a criminal? Or, do you believe that crime is a result of socialization and environment? Why? "Criminology Course"

Answer 1

I truely believe that  crime is a result of socialization and environment

It is generally accepted that the model for human behavior formation is highly complex and effectuated by various factors, not just genes or environmental factors alone, but rather an association between the two. There are some important theories that do not support the effect of inheritance or environmental influences on each other but in fact demonstrate the significance of their interaction in deciding actions of an person. The genetic disposition of an person is significant in that it sets out a fundamental structure which can be a guide to the propensities of certain courses of action.

It's a fact that someone may be born with a higher-than-average intelligence temperament, but environmental influences play a significant role in how this trait is expressed. When an person were to grow up in an atmosphere that promoted the development of intellectual interests, the characteristic of the intellect would have the potential to improve speech rather than if the person were in an atmosphere the put little emphasis on learning. It, in effect, will lead to criminal behavior and social deviance. Different developmental and sociological factors play a part in the tendency of an person to exhibit criminal activity.

Throughout childhood growth, one of the most significant environmental influences is socialization or the way a child is 'taught' how to behave. Which refers to the time of childhood growth when children know their society's laws and values. This model hypothesizes that the children initially learn to actually follow their society's laws. Due to clearly associated effects these actions are repeated. Intuitively, a child does not realize that stealing is wrong; they must be taught that this action is not permissible by negative consequences.

An important point to make is that education rates have been established as being relevant in the development of criminal behaviour. People with learning disabilities have been found to be more vulnerable to aggressive behaviour. The key explanation for this is given in an interrelated pattern of causal events with focused education. School achievement predicts pro-social behaviour, or actions defined as upholding a society's moral values.

This is because academic achievement in our society is interrelated with a variety of other variables, such as financial performance, high self-esteem and an internal control locus. This particular model may account for reasons behind the general assumption that individuals with a high IQ typically have less violent conduct patterns than those with a low IQ. The theory is that having a higher IQ contributes to easier school achievement. To disallow the existence of these negative traits, it is necessary then to emphasize education and to tackle problems with learning difficulties at an early age.