The traditional explanations for crime typically fall into the nature vs. nurture debate and the ideas concerning any possible genetic reasons for making some people criminal. Are some people really just "born bad?" or are there other, social reasons for criminal behaviour? Throughout the course of this essay I am going to look at both sides of the argument, and offer an insight into the theoretical approaches surrounding the nature vs. nurture debate in criminology.
The most logical first step would be to look at the idea of genetics and criminality. This is an area that has been, and still is, widely researched, often coming up with greatly varied results. Let us look at the actual biology of genetics, and the alleged identification of an abnormal gene, present in some criminals. Take, as an example, the much talked about 1993 study that identified an X chromosome mutation which is associated with mild retardation and aggressive, violent criminal behaviour concentrated in one large Dutch family. This apparent mutation causes complete deficiencies of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (maoa), which metabolises the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. According to David Goldman, a geneticist at the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, .
" men who possess this abnormal gene may typically engage in impulsive behaviour, but the time, place, type, and seriousness of their crimes ( which include exhibitionism, attempted rape, and arson) have been diverse and .
unpredictable" .
(Powledge, T.M., Vol 46:1, January 1996).
Although there does seem to be some evidence that crime and genetics are related, the findings prove unpredictable. That is not to say that there have not been other alleged "breakthroughs", and other areas of human biology have proved to be useful also. Adrian Rain, of the University of Southern California showed CAT (computer axial tomography) scans comparing the brain activity of 42 convicted murderers, with those of 42 people with no apparent criminal traits (or convictions).
