1

Peoples views about/whether criminality/committing

crimes is learned or genetic/inborn.







Submitted by:
Name: Mahmud Hasan Alvi
I D: 112 0046 030
Course: Eng105
Section: 11
Submitted to: Mr. Shafqat Chaudhuri (Shc)
Date of Submission: 17
th
J anuary, 2014


2

Acknowledgement
The greatest help has been from the people who have answered my questionnaires of my survey
and made it possible to complete my research. I want to thank them with all my heart and I will
never forget their contribution to my research. I also want to thank my cousin, Shamsul Arefin
and my sister Tangima Sultana, who have helped me throughout the whole research, like
distributing and collecting back the questionnaires and making suggestions wherever needed. I
want to thank my cousin for helping me with some of my secondary data. Most importantly, I
want to thank my instructor, Mr. Shafqat Chaudhuri for being very generous to help me with
every question I had in my mind regarding how to precede with the research. Last of all, I want
to thank Allah for keeping me alive and completing this project.










3

Abstract
Throughout my research I have tried to find out peoples view about criminality/committing is
genetic/inborn. I have collected the students opinion on this matter. According to them,
criminality/committing crimes is learned from various environmental factors. They opined that
its mostly learnt from delinquent friends. I have also found that deprivation of parental guidance
can be one of the main reasons for a child to commit criminal activities in his later life.
Furthermore, the respondents thought that self-motivation is the best way to cure a person from
committing crimes. Last but not the least the majority of the respondents thought life-long
offenders are influenced by criminal genes; this is the only part where I found that people view
criminality as genetic/inborn.
It should be noted in here that I have failed to prove my primary hypothesis that is people view
criminality/committing crime as genetic.









4
Table of Contents
Title Page Number
1. I ntroduction & Background 5
2. Research Questions 12
3. Hypothesis 12
4. Methodology 12
5. Primary source findings 13
6. Secondary data presentation & graphical analysis 14
7. Limitations 24
8. Conclusion 25
9. Reference 26




5
Introduction and Background
The sources of crimes come from a distinct effort of solving ones problems through social,
familial and other problems. But crimes are committed to sponsor ones needs into a vile attempt
to contemplate the issues personal or familial. As said in Randy Gonzalez Criminal behavior is
a matter of choices. Today, there are many excuses cloaked as reasons for criminal behavior. The
misguided nature of these assertions has a serious impact upon crime control strategies. The
classical approach to crime control strategies deals with direct intervention tactics. Law
enforcement, within this rubric, takes an aggressive posture toward criminal acts.
(Ezineartciles.com)
The major problems causing crimes can be outsourcing the dilemma in other ways. In order to
bring in bread for the family a person suffers deliberately to meet hunger with or without proper
work facilities. Gauging the parameters, we might say that desperation leads to confrontation of
such probabilities and moreover strives to deal with more problems in the future. The outcome of
crimes in never good, but initially justice can define crimes as an act of violence.

What is Crime?
According to Quinney (1966), The word crime is derived from the Latin root cern, meaning "I
decide, I give judgment". Originally the Latin word crmen meant "charge or "cry of
distress." The Ancient Greek word krima (), from which the Latin cognate derives,
typically referred to an intellectual mistake or an offense against the community, rather than a
private or moral wrong (pp. 45-52)


6
So, the term crime aka offence or criminal offence can be depicted as any harmful act that is
detrimental to an individual, a community or state. Crimes are prohibited all over the world has a
universal moral basis. What precisely is a crime is defined by criminal law of each country.
Furthermore, the state (government) has the rightful power to punish its citizens for any criminal
activity. Therefore in a modern society a criminal procedure must be adhered during the trial. If
the offender is found guilty than the state can proceed to punishments such as community
sentence, imprisonment for a certain time, life imprisonment even death penalty.

Important theories in Criminology
In criminology why people commit crime is very important to understand as it will help to
handle and prevent crime. Many theories have emerged over the years and criminologists seek
the best solutions in ultimately reducing types and levels of crime. Some theories are discussed
below:

Rational choice theory: Rational Choice theory describes law-violating behavior as an event that
occurs when an offender decides to risk violating the law after considering his or her own need
for money, personal values or learning experiences and how well a target is protected, how
affluent the neighborhood is or how efficient the local police are. Before committing a crime, the
reasoning criminal weighs are the chances of getting caught, the severity of the expected penalty,
the value to be gained by committing the act, and his or her immediate need for that value.
(Siegel, 1992:131). It should be highlighted here, People generally act in their self-interest and


7
make decisions to commit crime after weighing the potential risks (including getting caught and
punished) against the rewards (Briggs, n.d.).
Social learning theory: this thory has been used to explain the emergence and maintainence of
aggressive behavior. This theory explains why and how people develop motivation to
commit crime by peer pressure. This theory also talks about the possibility that criminal acts are
learned and are influenced by environmental factors. According to this theory criminal behavior
is reinforced in the criminals through various environmental factors and they learn beliefs that
are favorable to crime. In fact, association with delinquent friends is the best predictor of
delinquent behavior other than prior delinquency. Furthermore, social learning theory postulates
that there are three mechanisms by which individuals learn to engage in crime: differential
reinforcement, beliefs, and modeling (Crossman, n.d.)
Another prominent theory in criminology is Biology, genetics, and evolution theory: Poor diet,
mental illness, bad brain chemistry, and even evolutionary rewards for aggressive criminal
conduct have been proposed as explanations for crime (Briggs, n.d.).
Apart from this, various people have forwarded theories to explain why some people became
criminals. The oldest model is demonology. This theory suggested that criminal behavior
originated from a possessed mind/body and the only way to get rid of it was to torturing the
guilty person. Cesare Lombroso, an Italian criminologist, stated that criminality was inherited
and that someone could be identified by physical defects, which confirmed a criminal as savage.
Also, Siegmund Freud opined that crime is the result of a dismal and ill soul. Last but not the
least Freud talked about the pleasure principle i.e. humans have basic unconscious biological


8
urges and a desire for immediate gratification and satisfaction. If they dont get it by normally
they adopt criminal traits (Bryant, n.d.)
Genetic Influence on Crime
Whether crime has any genetic orientation is a very controversial topic. Several researches have
been conducted and among them the research conducted by Dr. Kevin M. Beaver from Florida
State University and Dr. Brian B. Boutwell at Sam Houston State University suggested that
turning to criminal is in the genes. For the research, More than 250 young men and women were
first questioned when in High School and then periodically interviewed for the next 13 years.
The research found out that, Young men and women who had a biological parent arrested at
some point were up to 4.5 times more likely to have been arrested themselves than those whose
natural parents were law-abiding, the Florida State University study found. Furthermore, Rogue
gene: MAO-A has been identified as being able to break down chemicals in the brain which
cause aggression (Is a life of crime hereditary?,2010). The conclusion of the study was genetic
influences in life-course persistent offenders were larger than environmental influences.


9














http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2012/1/24-15201_Criminologists-Research-Shows-Genes-
Influence-Crim_article-wide.html
Apart from this a University of Texas study published in the Criminology journal found that
there are probably a wide range of genes that plays part in lowering or raising our chances of
Figure 1: Genes show connections to crime (Criminologists Research Shows Genes Influence
Criminal Behavior, 2012)



10
offending. In this research, researchers looked at three broad groups of people: those who
persistently offend throughout their lives, those who only commit crimes in their teens, and those
who always obey the law. The sample size was 4000 from National Longitudinal Study of
Adolescent Health. The result was while adolescent offenders appeared to be more susceptible
by environmental factors; the same was not true for those who became lifelong criminals. The
twin methodology used to determine the relative influence of environmental and lifestyle factors
did not identify which particular genes were responsible, but suggested that up to 70 per cent of
our chance of lifelong criminality could be genetic (Life of crime is in the genes, study
claims,2012). Related to hormonal influence on criminality another research says that
testosterone is involved but is not a prime factor. It appeared that humans are continually
aggressive if they already have a violent personality, and psychologists differ about the
interaction of biology and socialization on personality.
On this account, another study has found that a mutation in the structural gene for monoamine
oxidase A gives rise to an acute build-up of neurotransmitters associated with the bodys fight
or flight responses to stressful situations (Evansburg, 2001). Some criminologists believed that
certain physical factors could determine whether a person will be a criminal offender or become
one in later life. Many criminologists believe that although genetic makeup of a person might be
an indicator for felony, it involves more than just simply looking at a person and labelling them
as criminals. Genetics is a give and take away subject according to them.
It should be noted in here depression has long been in the central focus of criminological
research. Researchers always probed for the answer whether depression has a direct effect on a
persons likelihood of participating in criminal behavior. Furthermore, is depression inherited in
genetics? Strain theorists like Robert Agnew opined that law violation can help reduce


11
depression for a criminal. Thus this concept would depict that depression is a disorder brought on
and controlled by external factors. Some arguments about concerning the correlation between
genetics and criminal behavior have been stimulated by unfounded claims. Criminologists have
opined about racial and ethnic orientation can predict felony behavior on a particular person.
This statements were backed up by statistical data collected from various sources. However
social structure theorists counter these data as invalid by saying members of ethnic and racial
minority groups, are more likely to be arrested for the same crimes that are committed by those
who are white and members of upper class society (Wilson, 2011).













12
Research questions
Through my research I looked forward to explore the in-depth views of people towards
criminality whether its genetic or learned. I tried to find the answers of the following questions:
What is criminality?
What drives People to do Crimes?
Can a disturbed childhood lead people in committing crimes later?
What role do economic factors play?
Is peer influence an underlying factor in learning/committing crimes?

Hypothesis
Since Bangladesh is a poverty-stricken country most child has to go through some tough
times of life. They learn the bitter truth of life. Furthermore, they understand that
sometimes mere psychological needs cant be fulfilled. Thats why they learn the various
methods of felony. I expect to find peoples view about criminality\committing
crimes is genetic.

Research methodology

For my primary research, I will conduct a survey of a representative sampling of the
general people. For that I will design a questionnaire with different types of question so
that I can get answers to my research questions.
For my secondary research, I plan to use the university library, magazines, various websites etc.


13
PRIMARY SURVEY FINDINGS*

Option A Option B Option C Option D
Question 1 6 8 4 2
Question 2 5 13 2 0
Question 3 14 0 0 6
Question 4 6 6 6 2
Question 5 2 3 4 11
Question 6 4 3 1 12
Question 7 14 0 0 6
Question 8 0 2 18 0
Question 9 2 2 11 5
Question 10 10 5 5 0

*Number of respondents answered in each of the choices







14

Graphical and Broad Analysis:
1. According to your judgment, why do people generally commit crimes?


This question was asked to find out the underlying reasons of felony. Out of a sample of 20
people, 40% answered it was due to bad company. According to my literary review, people get
influenced to commit friends by delinquent friends (Crossman, n.d.). the second choice for 30%
people was poverty. This came out as a surprise for me as I thought majority votes will fall into
this category.



0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
35.00%
40.00%
45.00%
Poverty Bad company Deprivation of basic
rights
Peer influence


15
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Offense against the
community
Offensive action punishable
by law
Mental sickness An act that is foolish or
wrong
2. Criminality is _______________________



When I sorted out the properly filled up questionnaire, I was very happy to find out that majority
of the respondents (65%) believed crime is an offensive action punishable by law. The other 25%
thought it was detrimental for any community. Only 10% people thought that criminality is
mental sickness. I think these respondents thought depression is one of the factors for people to
commit crimes. On the contrary this answer supports my secondary research about depression
that it can be a reason for people to commit crimes.


16
They learn from their company They learn by themselves
Criminals are by born ferocious in nature Through different medias
3. From where, do you think, criminals learn how to commit criminal activities?




When the respondents were asked what is the source for criminals to learn how to commit
criminal activities, 70% answered they learn it from their company. This answer supports my
literary review about crime that it can be learned through various environmental factors. None of
the respondents answered that criminals are born ferocious in nature. This result was a massive
surprise for me as it went against my hypothesis.


17

4. What key factor can be the main reason for people committing crimes?




To know about the effect on various environmental factors on crime, this question was asked.
30% respondents answered equally on economic condition, failure to fulfill their basic needs and
social problems. Only 10% answered for depression. These answers goes in line with my literary
review that criminals learn crime from various environmental factors (Important Theories in
Criminology: Why People Commit Crime, n.d.).
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Their Economic Condition Failure to fulfill their basic
needs
Social Problems Depression


18

5. What can cure a person from committing crimes?




Respondents opinions varied greatly over this question about the cure of a person from
committing crimes. 55% people supported about self-motivation which seemed rational as self-
motivated people hardly feels for any crooked way to accomplish their work. On the contrary
20% respondents thought family support could be the magic key to cure someone from
committing crimes.
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Moral Support Financial Support Family Support Self-Motivation


19

6. What key factors can affect a child to do criminal activities in his/her later life?



I asked this question to find out the reasons about how a child might turn into a criminal later on
his life. 60% respondents answered the reason is deprivation of parental guidance. This response
seemed correct to me as parents are our primary educational institution and they mold us
perfectly for our future life. Another 20% respondents thought it was due to violence in
childhood life with friends. According to my secondary research, this answer should have got
more votes but it didnt.

20%
15%
5%
60%
Violence in childhood life with
friends/peers
Unhealthy relationship between his/her
parents
Child abuse
Deprivation of parental guidance


20
7. Criminal behavior _______



The prime reason for asking this question was to know peoples view about criminality whether
its genetic or learned. 70% respondent answered that criminal behavior is learnt by various
societal factors. This answer went straight against my hypothesis. Furthermore, none of the
respondents answered criminal behavior runs through genes. On the contrary only 30%
respondents thought it was due to substance abuse.




0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Is Learnt by various societal
factors
Runs through genes Is learnt by reading crime
stories
Is committed for substance
abuse


21

8. Why do you think people turn into life-long serious offenders?



This question was asked to know about the impact of criminal genes and also to know how far
criminality is genetic/inborn. None of the respondents answered that it was due to criminal
genes. On the contrary, 90% respondents thought it was due to environmental factors which
again went against my hypothesis. This answer also supports my secondary research about social
learning theory and rational theory.

0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1
They are influenced by
criminal genes
They are influenced by peer
pressure
They are influenced by
environmental factors (e.g.
corruption, economic
disruption )
They are influence by
various crime shows


22
9. Opportunistic criminals ( criminals exploiting immediate opportunities regardless of
planning or principle) are influenced by ________



The answer of this question went towards peer pressure. 55% respondents thought opportunistic
criminals are influenced by peer pressure. This answer is in line with my secondary research.
Furthermore an equal number of respondents (10%) thought it was due to genetic factors and
crime shows. This is the only question where respondents were somewhat inclined to the genetic
impact of criminality which made me think lifelong offenders might have some connection with
criminal genes.
10%
10%
55%
25%
Genetic factors
Crime shows
Environmental factors (e.g.
corruption, economic disruption )
Peer pressure


23
10. If criminality is genetic, is punishing them actually useful?



The answer of this question was vastly inclined to the answer about punishing the genetic
criminals so that it sent some message to other offenders. 50% respondents went towards this
answer which proved that people still believed in law & order for the serenity of the society. On
the contrary, 25% respondents thought about not punishing them which made me wonder that
these respondents might be sympathetic and forgiving in nature.


0.5
0.25 0.25
0
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Yes, because it will send a
message to other offenders
Yes, because in that way the
rate of crime might decline
No, because they dont have
any control over genetic
orientation
No, because its not ethical


24
Limitations
I would like to mention the unstable political situation of Bangladesh as the biggest limitation of
my project. There were some people who were very reluctant in filling up my questionnaire
properly rather they concentrated more on advising me what should I do to get my work done
properly. After sorting out the questionnaires, I was left with very few properly answered
questionnaires. One problem I faced with some female students that they did not want to fill up
my questionnaire. I wanted equal number of male and female students answering my
questionnaire. But I did not succeed because of their unwillingness. What I felt is that I could
have delved far deeper if situations were positive and I had enough time.












25
Conclusion

My research deals with peoples views about criminality whether its genetic or learned. I
believe further work can be done on this subject. With only a sample of 20, I have found out that
criminality/committing crimes is mainly due to unfulfilled social needs and its driven by various
environmental factors. My respondents believed that genetic influence is a reason for committing
crimes only for the life time offenders. What I believe is that with more time and a bigger sample
size, more in-depth results could be found on this topic.












26
Reference
Briggs, S. (n.d.). Important Theories in Criminology: Why People Commit Crime. Retrieved
January 4, 2014, from For Dummies: A Wiley brand: http://www.dummies.com/how-
to/content/important-theories-in-criminology-why-people-commi.html.
Bryant, L. (N.D.). Why do people commit crime? Retrieved January 1, 2014 from History
Learning Site: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/why_do_people_commit_crime.htm
Criminologists Research Shows Genes Influence Criminal Behavior. (2012). Retrieved January
9, 2014 from News Centre: http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2012/1/24-15201_Criminologists-
Research-Shows-Genes-Influence-Crim_article-wide.html
Crossman, A. (n.d.). Social Learning Theory. Retrieved January 2, 2014, from Sociology:
http://sociology.about.com/od/Sociological-Theory/a/Social-Learning-Theory.htm
Dr. Randy Gonzalez, A Classical View: Why do people commit crimes. Retrieved January 9,
2014 from: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Gonzalez
Evansburg, A. R., But Your Honor, Its in His Genes The Case For Genetic Impairments as
Grounds For a Downward Departure Under The Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The American
Criminal Law Review 38.4 (Fall 2001): 1565.


Is a life of crime hereditary?. (2010). New research suggests that criminal behaviour could be
'all in the genes'. Retrieved January 9, 2014 from Mail Online:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1332927/New-research-suggests-criminal-
behaviour-genes.html


27

Life of crime is in the genes, study claims. (2012). Retrieved January 9, 2014 from The
Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9040997/Life-of-crime-is-in-the-
genes-study-claims.html
Quinney.R. (1966). "Structural Characteristics, Population Areas, and Crime Rates in the United
States," The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology and Police Science, 57(1), p. 45-52.
Siegel, L. (1992). Criminology, 4th ed. St. Paul, MN: West Publishing.
Wilson, J. W. (2011). Debating Genetics as a Predictor of Criminal Offending and Sentencing.
Retrieved January 9, 2014 from Student Pulse:
http://www.studentpulse.com/articles/593/debating-genetics-as-a-predictor-of-criminal-
offending-and-sentencing