Blog #2 Soc 411- Nature vs Nurture Theory Pertaining to Criminology

Nature vs Nurture Theory Pertaining to Criminology

                Something that I have always wondered was if someone is born into who they are or if their environment determines who they will become. Was Hitler born to be a murderous tyrant? Was Mother Theresa born a selfless pacifist caring for others? One of the most interesting theories to me in Criminology is Nature Theory and Nurture Theory.

                Nature Theory focuses on whether crime is genetic.  In the sense of IQ; our textbook explains that genetics predetermine intelligence. The argument is that those with lower IQ’s (intelligence) are more likely to commit crime (Siegel, 2017:144-145).  Another argument is specifically in expression of gene traits.  Epigenetics is a new field and the implications of epigenetics are astounding.  Kaiser and Rasminsky have studied some of these traits they say, “Some genes are expressed or turned on (or not) because of physical, social, and cultural factors in the environment; and some genes—for example, those that influence difficult temperament, impulsivity, novelty seeking, and lack of empathy—predispose people to be exposed to environmental risks.” (Kaiser & Rasminsky, 2010).  Although this does not explain those who overcome these predispositions.

                Nurture Theory on the other hand argues that a person’s environment will mold them into the person they will become. This is called their environmental stimulation. The environmental stimulation can come from several sources; some of the most prominent sources are: parents, relatives, schools, and peer groups (Siegel, 2017: 144-145).   These stimulants are argued to be what molds a person either into a law-abiding citizen or a criminal.  Nurture would argue that if a child has a secure environment (emotionally and physically) and secure institution then they are less likely to commit crime. Unfortunately, this doesn’t account for crimes committed by those with these individuals.

                The two theories are not perfect though. Studies show that people from a lower socioeconomic background will score lower on intelligence tests. It is not an example of their ability but an example of the focus of their environment (Siegel, 2017:145).  In the book, Crime and Human Nature, the authors sight many reasons why people commit crimes and explain some of the commonality that criminals have. One thing all criminals have in common is that they commit the crime. But although there are traits that happen occasionally between some but not others, they argue it does not make it fact (Wilson and Herrnstein, 1999:19).  They emphasize the relationship between nature and nurture and argue that it is mixture of both that helps to mold a person.  One example used is of young urban children coming from broken homes. They explain that the majority of those coming from broken homes do not become criminal offenders (Wilson and Herrnstein, 1999:22).  They also explain that in the study of class and race there is only a slight relationship between crime rates and social class (Wilson and Herrnstein, 1999:27).

                In the end studies are pointing to a mixture of both nature and nurture are more likely what molds our behavior.