Critical Thinking Exercise: Marriage, Biology and Crime

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Marriage has been identified as an important event that encourages criminals to stop offending. What mechanisms do you believe could account for the impact of marriage on offenders?

Although marriage has been romanticized in contemporary society, it is actually traditionally a social contract: it is a promise made in public before witnesses; two people vow to be wed to one another, to become one, to become as it were a family. Since society depends on families and no future can be had without them, marriage is an important social function. Because it is inherently social, marriage relates to crime, which is essentially a violation of the social contract. By this logic, one can argue that marriage can play a part in crime prevention for several fundamental reasons.

First, marriage can provide a sense of purpose and direction (Damon, 2009). Being in a committed relationship with a spouse can provide a sense of purpose and direction, which can help individuals focus on positive goals and activities rather than engaging in criminal behavior. In addition to these shared goals, marriage can also provide a sense of personal growth and development. Being in a committed relationship requires individuals to work on themselves and their relationship skills in order to maintain a healthy and fulfilling partnership. This can involve personal growth in areas such as communication, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. As individuals work on themselves and their relationship, they can develop a sense of purpose and direction as they see themselves grow and improve. By providing a sense of purpose and direction, marriage can help individuals focus on positive goals and activities rather than engaging in criminal behavior. Instead of turning to criminal activities to fill a void or achieve a sense of purpose, individuals in a committed relationship can find fulfillment in their shared goals and personal growth. This can help reduce the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior and increase pro-social attitudes and behaviors.

Second, marriage can provide a sense of belonging and social support (Vanderhorst & McLaren, 2005). Being in a committed relationship with a spouse can provide a sense of belonging and social support, which can help individuals feel more connected to their community and less isolated. This sense of belonging and social support can help individuals develop pro-social attitudes and behaviors, which can discourage criminal behavior. marriage can provide emotional support and companionship, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Having a spouse to talk to and rely on can provide a sense of comfort and security, which can help individuals feel more connected to their community. This sense of belonging and social support can help individuals develop pro-social attitudes and behaviors, which can discourage criminal behavior. Pro-social attitudes and behaviors are those that are beneficial to society and others, such as empathy, cooperation, and helping others. By feeling a sense of belonging and support from their social network, individuals may be more likely to develop these attitudes and behaviors, which can help reduce the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Moreover, marriage can also provide individuals with a sense of responsibility towards their spouse and family. This responsibility can motivate individuals to act in ways that are consistent with pro-social attitudes and behaviors, and discourage criminal behavior.

There are several mechanisms that could account for the impact of marriage on offenders. One of the most commonly cited theories to explain this phenomenon is social...…or genetic engineering. This perspective may be more appealing than more complex explanations that involve a range of social and environmental factors.

The enduring preoccupation with the role of genetics and other biological factors in crime can be explained by the interplay of these factors. The deterministic perspective, biological essentialism, and the appeal of simple explanations for complex phenomena all contribute to the continued interest in biological theories of criminal behavior. It is important to note, however, that these perspectives may oversimplify the complex interplay of biological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior, and that a more comprehensive understanding of these factors may be necessary to effectively prevent and address criminal behavior.

If our society were a bit more devoted to tackling complex questions and interacting with nuance, it would probably not be so reliant upon simplistic explanations of human behavior, such as crime. No doubt, biology and genetics have something to say about criminal psychology and behaviorbut they shold not be given the final word on the matter. The debate between nature and nurture in the context of criminal behavior will likely continue. However, it should be abundantly clear by now that the interplay between nature and nurture is complex, and that both biological and social factors can contribute to criminal behavior. A more comprehensive understanding of these factors is necessary to effectively prevent and address criminal behavior, and should be the focus of study by those engaged in this field or in this profession. Ultimately, the nature vs. nurture debate is not an either-or proposition, but rather a question of how different factors interact and influence one another to shape human behavior. Our society should return to the practice of deep inquiry to better understand these factors…