inherited criminality 2

Question 1

what is it and whats a concordance rate

Answer 1

• certain genetic combos predispose indivs to criminal behaviour
• rate of probability that 2 people with shared genes will develop same condition

Question 2

point

Answer 2

• Genes = no genes cause criminals but they are linked to criminal behaviour e.g. impulsive, aggressive
• Candidate genes = genes identified that could play a role in the development of a disease/disorder
• MAOA gene (warrior gene) = encodes the monoamine oxidase A enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters. People with this gene have low levels of monoamine oxidase A and this disrupts the breakdown of transmitters like dopamine, seratonin - causes aggressive behaviours

Question 3

research supporting point

Answer 3

• Brunner et al = analysed the DNA of 28 male members of a Dutch faminly with a history of impuslive/violent crim behav (rape and attempted murder
• Men shared mutation in MAOA gene leadind to low levels of it
• Supports link of MAOA and crim behav as low levels cause increase in accumulation of neurotransmitters = more aggressive

Question 4

Other gene

Answer 4

• Cadherin 13 (CDH13) involved in neural connectivity
• Unclear how its dysfunction leads to violent behaviour
• linked to ADHD, depression, substance abuse
• Tiihonen et al = research with 900 finish offenders found evidence of low MAOA and low activity from CDH13 gene - estimated 5-10% all violent crime in Finland due to abnormalities in these 2 genes
• Supports point as both low activity = aggressiev behaviour

Question 5

weakness

Answer 5

• Biological reductionist
• Too simple to reduce all crime to be caused by only genetics. ignores other factors e.g. env factors like childhood upbringing

C = beneficial as we know specifically whats causing behav so we can target this specifically
- Gives an explanation of what causes behav, doesnt consider all points

Question 6

strength

Answer 6

• Supporting research
• Brunner and Tiihonen research suggests clear link between criminal behaviour and genes
• Doesn’t consider env factors that could lead to this