SUMMARY OF CHAPTER THREE
In this chapter, the author engages the readers in the exploration of the genetic and biological aspects of criminal behavior. In addition, he analyses a case study of twins and theirs relation to crime theories, in both similar and different environments. As we read along, we are familiarized with the risk factors of the environment and how they play a role in criminal behavior of an individual. The chapter further discusses the temperament and its consequent effects on the behavior.
During early stages of schooling, a child exhibits a high level of aggression, physical aggression to be specific. However, such violent behavior reduces drastically as a result of parental guidance, and also free interaction with other students in school.
Contemporary criminologists believe that genetics play a crucial role in criminality, but not of much significance. The most important determinants are the environment as well as values of an individual. Some of the mentioned factors that lead to one exhibit crime include glorification of violence, greed for power and also poverty. Basing on the twin studies carried out by biopsychologist Adrian Raine in 2002, twins being of the same genes exhibit similar behavior, such as aggression and their social nature. This implies that if one is social, the other one is more likely to be social. The vice versa of this statement is also true.
Environment is another determinant of an individual’s criminal behavior. In this chapter, we are familiarized with two types of environments, that is, shared environment and non shared environment. In a shared/ common environment, twins are affected in the same way. Non shared environment involves experiences in different environments, such as attending different schools, pursuing separate hobbies among others (Bartol, 2011). Family risk factors such as education, poverty and parenting practices play a vital role in determining criminal behavior. Research indicates that children brought up from a poor background are more likely to engage in criminal activities due to his/her high level of aggression. It is a fact that such an individual engaging in criminal activities was once a victim of poor parenting. Poor parenting means inadequate moral guidance. In essence, inappropriate bringing up of a child is the major explanation behind the aggressive nature, which consequently leads to immoral behavior. Peer groups also play a significant role in development of delinquent behavior. In most cases, peers tend to copy from each other certain behaviors. Such similar tendencies lead to creation of an environment whereby peer groups influence one another towards crime or violent behavior.
Mental illness has also been mentioned as an origin of criminal behavior. Diseases such as Paranoid schizophrenia trigger violent behaviors which in turn influences criminal activities.
In essence, this chapter has laid much emphasis on environment, genetics, hormones, and mental illness, as major biological factors that trigger criminal behavior. From my own perspective, the biological factors discussed in this chapter are relevant to the origins of criminal activities. The twin studies truly reveal the character that twins exhibit when in the same environment and also in different environments. Furthermore, I side with the author of this article when he describes the relationship existing between drug abuse and involvement in criminal activities. In the current living setup, majority of the people who uses drugs such as nicotine, heroin among others, are associated with crime. This could be as a result of peer influence.
Reference
Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2011). Criminal behavior: a psychological approach (9th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education/Prentice Hall.
