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Juvenile Delinquency and Genetics
Genetics and Juvenile Delinquency
The role of genetics in delinquent behavior
Although the role of genetics in determining human behavior has become an increasingly popular explanation for a variety of sociological phenomenon, until recently, social learning theory tended to be the most common way to explain delinquency. This theory suggested that children 'learn' appropriate standards of behavior from parents, peers, and other adults. However, there remains the question of why certain adolescents seem to have more of a tendency to exhibit low levels of self-control, to act out, and to associate with delinquent peers. One explanation is genetics. For example, one theory suggests that the precise configuration of the prefrontal cortex has a great deal of influence over the ability of the individual to control his or her impulses, which thus influences behavior. The extent to which genetics influences behavior vs. environmental conditions is controversial, however...
environment (Beaver et al. 2009: 41).
Thus, some researchers still insist that social factors, most notably peer group influences, are largely to blame (Beaver et al. 2009: 45). However, twin studies indicate that genetics must have some influence: pairs of identical twins, all other variables being equal, are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior than non-identical twins (Beaver et al. 2009: 51). Identical twins are more likely to exhibit similar levels of low levels of self-control and a propensity to have delinquent friends, suggesting that genetic variables influence behavioral variables, and delinquent behavior does not occur solely due to exterior pressures. It should be noted, however, that there are likely epigenetic factors that contribute to delinquency: there is a dialogue between environment and genetics -- the effects of certain genetic influences may only make themselves manifest under specific external…
References
Beaver, K.M., Schutt, J.E., Boutwell, B.B., Ratchford, M., Roberts, K., & Barnes, J.C. (2009).
Genetic and environmental influences on levels of self-control and delinquent peer affiliation: Results from a longitudinal sample of adolescent twins. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 36(1), 41-60
Genetics, social factors tied to male delinquency. (2008). U.S. News and World Report.
Retrieved: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2008/07/17/genetics-social-factors-tied-to-male-delinquency
(Causal Theories of Juvenile Delinquency: Social Perspectives) Charles Cooley in his publication Human Nature and the Social Order analyzed the personal perception of juvenile delinquents by means of the studies of children and their imaginary friends. Cooley develops his theory around the imaginary concept of looking glass self, which is considered to be a type of imaginary sociability. People introspectively imagine through the eyes of others in their social circles
(Johnson, 2008, pp. 560 -- 567) This is significant, because it is corroborating the root causes of why someone will become involved in illegal activities at a young age. As a result, this source is providing us with a good rational for studying this issue and the long-term effects that it will have on communities. The Importance of this Topic in Studying Criminal Behavior Understanding juvenile delinquency will help to improve
Juvenile delinquency seems to be growing in this country; at least the media's handling of it seems to be increasing. This paper will provide research into violence in the various forms of media and how it affects juvenile delinquency. Studies indicate violence in the media can contribute to violence in young people. They also indicate that there are many instances of violence in the media every day. Another issue facing
133). In sum, low-income blacks and males continue to be responsible for a disproportionate number of juvenile homicidal acts, but juvenile homicide is not restricted to these age, ethnic or socioeconomic groups (Heckel & Shumaker, 2001). Impact of Family Violence on Incidence of Juvenile Homicide in the U.S. And New York. Around 14% of juvenile homicides involve family members as victims, compared to 55% that involve friends or acquaintances and 31%
Juvenile offenders have grown to become a serious problem in many countries, especially the United States. Like adult offenders, juvenile offenders are more likely to reoffend, especially without the proper guidance and assistance they need in order to live a law abiding life. Research within the last five years has led to identification of specific program models as well theory-based intervention approaches that not only assist juvenile offenders in leading
As theories claim certain risk factors and ignore others, it is critical to evaluate the most common risk factors despite their discipline fields. There are five broad domains for risk factors: Individual, family, school, peer group, and community. Another key component to understanding risk factors is the age of onset, in which early onset is considered age 6-11, and late onset is considered age 12-14 (Shader, 2002). Each of