Analysis Of Nature Vs. Nurture: Which Causes Crime
For years, people have debated whether our actions are a product of our genetic composition (nature) or our upbringing (nurture). In the article "Nature Vs. Nurture: Which Causes Crime?” (2015), John Hagger states that “Human social environments encompass the immediate physical surroundings, social relationships, and cultural milicus within which defined groups of people function and interact”. In other words, upbringing (or nurture) directly impacts the way in which we act. It is with that in mind, that I suggest someone’s upbringing should be taken into consideration when punishing deviant or criminal behavior.
According to Siegel in “The Core: Criminology” (2015), crime is classified as behaviors that are deemed unacceptable and impermissible …show more content…
Behavior is shaped by the visuals provided by friends, peers, and family. Further, the Documentary First Impressions - Chronic Exposure to Violence and a Child's Developing Brain, states that children learn from observation and children who witness violence are likely to develop violent tendencies or mental health issues (Anon 2011). Children are like sponges and it is typical for them to imitate what they see other do. This is evident in the Documentary Broken Child (2000), Kevin an African American boy from a low-income family witnessed his mother being brutally murdered by his drug addicted father when he was just a baby. At 5 years old he is tormented, Kevin has nightmares, has become defiant, violent, and impulsive. He goes to an overpopulated school and lives in a neighborhood where being in a gang or dealing drugs is the norm (Sarandon 2000). Kevin is still a child and already his actions are less than favorable, and his actions will worsen if he doesn’t get help or guidance from a trained professional. However, Kevin and his caretaker do not have the means to attend counseling. Without therapy, Kevin is likely to commit a violent crime such as Armed Robbery, Assault, or even worse Murder due to his predisposition to violence. Unfortunately, his troubled past and his lack of resources will have sent him down an inevitable spiral of crime and deviance for which he will eventually be
According to Siegel in “The Core: Criminology” (2015), crime is classified as behaviors that are deemed unacceptable and impermissible …show more content…
Behavior is shaped by the visuals provided by friends, peers, and family. Further, the Documentary First Impressions - Chronic Exposure to Violence and a Child's Developing Brain, states that children learn from observation and children who witness violence are likely to develop violent tendencies or mental health issues (Anon 2011). Children are like sponges and it is typical for them to imitate what they see other do. This is evident in the Documentary Broken Child (2000), Kevin an African American boy from a low-income family witnessed his mother being brutally murdered by his drug addicted father when he was just a baby. At 5 years old he is tormented, Kevin has nightmares, has become defiant, violent, and impulsive. He goes to an overpopulated school and lives in a neighborhood where being in a gang or dealing drugs is the norm (Sarandon 2000). Kevin is still a child and already his actions are less than favorable, and his actions will worsen if he doesn’t get help or guidance from a trained professional. However, Kevin and his caretaker do not have the means to attend counseling. Without therapy, Kevin is likely to commit a violent crime such as Armed Robbery, Assault, or even worse Murder due to his predisposition to violence. Unfortunately, his troubled past and his lack of resources will have sent him down an inevitable spiral of crime and deviance for which he will eventually be