Ethical Theories Of Criminal Behavior
Professor Kevin M. Beaver and Joseph A. Schwartz believe, “that a warrior gene has been demonstrated to be related to aggressive and violent behavior. In fact, humans with a low-activity form of the MAOA gene are much more prevalent in populations with a history of warfare. These individuals are also more likely to join gangs and to use weapons in committing crimes than other persons” (Hickey 48). Beaver and Schwartz believe that the theories proposed over the past half-century have focused entirely on environmental explanations of criminal and antisocial behavior. The explanation of criminal and antisocial behavior is their biggest concern of all the literature available. According to a study done by Weisburd and Piquero, “criminologists did
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Methodologies estimate the proportion of variance in a given behavior. Explanation is done by genetic (symbolized as h²) and environmental influences. Behavior genetics also study the influence of two types of environmental influences, shared environmental influences (symbolized as c²) and nonshared environmental influences (symbolized as e²). Shared environmental influences equally impact all people raised in the same household and make them more alike. Nonshared environmental influences refer to environments that are different for siblings from the same household and ultimately result differences between them. Although, these can be powerful tools, they have limitations. These methodologies can determine to an extent to which genes impact a specific behavior, but these types of studies do not help to identify the specific individual genes that are involved. Though, this is a limitation, there is a remedy. Advances in molecular genetics and the mapping of the human genome allow researchers to identify association between specific genes and specific antisocial behaviors. Neurotransmission is the main process. Beaver and Schwartz claim, “During neurotransmission, signals are passed between brain cells in the form of both electrical impulses and chemical messages. Both electrical and chemical messages are required due to a small gap – referred to …show more content…
Using data, such as police records and DNA samples from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), Beaver was able to examine factors between male and female participants. Within the female model, females MAOA gene had no relation to joining a gang or using a weapon. However, the male model was extraordinarily different. Males who had low-activity MAOA alleles were nearly 100% to be a gang member and approximately 82% more likely to use a weapon in a fight than males with high-activity MAOA
Methodologies estimate the proportion of variance in a given behavior. Explanation is done by genetic (symbolized as h²) and environmental influences. Behavior genetics also study the influence of two types of environmental influences, shared environmental influences (symbolized as c²) and nonshared environmental influences (symbolized as e²). Shared environmental influences equally impact all people raised in the same household and make them more alike. Nonshared environmental influences refer to environments that are different for siblings from the same household and ultimately result differences between them. Although, these can be powerful tools, they have limitations. These methodologies can determine to an extent to which genes impact a specific behavior, but these types of studies do not help to identify the specific individual genes that are involved. Though, this is a limitation, there is a remedy. Advances in molecular genetics and the mapping of the human genome allow researchers to identify association between specific genes and specific antisocial behaviors. Neurotransmission is the main process. Beaver and Schwartz claim, “During neurotransmission, signals are passed between brain cells in the form of both electrical impulses and chemical messages. Both electrical and chemical messages are required due to a small gap – referred to …show more content…
Using data, such as police records and DNA samples from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), Beaver was able to examine factors between male and female participants. Within the female model, females MAOA gene had no relation to joining a gang or using a weapon. However, the male model was extraordinarily different. Males who had low-activity MAOA alleles were nearly 100% to be a gang member and approximately 82% more likely to use a weapon in a fight than males with high-activity MAOA