Are Criminals Born or Are They Made

Title: Are criminals born or are they made?
Introduction:
The question of whether criminals are born or made has puzzled scientists, psychologists, and
everyday people. Are some individuals naturally prone to criminal behavior, or do their
surroundings and life experiences push them in that direction?
The Nature Perspective:
Some believe that certain people might be born with traits that make them more likely to
become criminals. Research studies, conducted by, Dr. Adrian Raine, a prominent
criminologist and psychologist, has dedicated much of his career to investigating the
biological and neurological factors associated with criminal behavior, often utilizing
advanced neuroimaging techniques such as MRI scans, has revealed that individuals who
engage in criminal behavior may exhibit specific brain abnormalities.. For instance, he found
that individuals with lower activity in the prefrontal cortex (the decision-making part of the
brain) might be more prone to aggression and antisocial behavior.
Example:
Reggie and Ronnie Kray, born in 1933 in London, became infamous for their criminal
activities in the 1950s and 1960s. The Kray twins were identical and shared a close bond,
forming a powerful and feared duo in the London underworld. Their criminal empire
included activities such as racketeering, extortion, and violent acts, making them central
figures in the East End's organized crime scene.
The notion that their genetic makeup might have played a role in their criminal activities
stems from the idea that certain personality traits or behavioral tendencies may have a genetic
basis. While specific genetic markers associated with criminal behavior have not been
conclusively identified, some researchers have explored the possibility that a predisposition
to aggression or antisocial behavior could be influenced by genetic factors.
The Nurture Perspective:
Others believe that the environment someone grows up in greatly influences their likelihood
of engaging in criminal behavior. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study,
spearheaded by Dr. Vincent Felitti and Dr. Robert Anda, offers compelling insights into the
profound impact of traumatic childhood experiences on later-life outcomes, including an
increased risk of engaging in criminal behavior. The ACEs study, conducted in the 1990s,
involved the surveying of more than 17,000 adults about their experiences during childhood.
The researchers identified various adverse experiences, including physical, emotional, and
sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction (such as substance abuse or domestic violence),
and parental separation or divorce.
Example:
Richard Ramirez, infamously known as the "Night Stalker," was a serial killer, rapist, and
burglar who terrorized Southern California during the mid-1980s. Born in El Paso, Texas, in
1960, Ramirez's troubled childhood and exposure to a tumultuous environment are often cited
as factors that may have played a significant role in shaping his criminal inclinations.
Key Aspects of Richard Ramirez's Case:
1. Violent Upbringing:
 Raised in a home marked by violence, Ramirez faced physical abuse from his
father, impacting his psychological development.
2. Substance Abuse:
 Introduced to drugs in his youth, Ramirez's use of substances like marijuana

and LSD contributed to impaired judgment, a factor in criminal behavior.
3. Criminal Influence:
 Exposure to graphic war stories from his older cousin, a Vietnam War veteran,
may have influenced Ramirez's perception of violence, shaping criminal
tendencies.
4. Disturbed Signs:
 Before his crime spree, Ramirez displayed disturbing behaviors, such as an

interest in Satanism, suggesting early signs of psychological disturbance.
5. Trauma's Toll:
 Childhood trauma, including violence and family dysfunction, linked to

adverse outcomes, likely played a role in Ramirez's maladaptive coping
mechanisms and criminal actions.
Interactionist Perspective:
Many experts now adopt an interactionist perspective, suggesting that both genetic factors
and environmental influences work together to shape criminal behavior. Dr. Terrie Moffitt's
developmental taxonomy is a psychological framework that suggests different pathways to
criminality based on the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Moffitt introduced
the concept of life-course-persistent (LCP) and adolescence-limited (AL) antisocial behavior
to explain variations in criminal trajectories.
1. Life-Course-Persistent (LCP) Pathway:
 Genetic Influence: Individuals following the LCP pathway exhibit antisocial

behavior consistently throughout their lives. Genetic factors are believed to
play a significant role in predisposing individuals to this persistent pattern of
criminality.
 Neurodevelopmental Issues: Moffitt proposes that neurodevelopmental issues,

possibly rooted in genetic factors, contribute to difficulties in impulse control
and emotional regulation, leading to persistent antisocial behavior.
2. Adolescence-Limited (AL) Pathway:
 Environmental Influence: Moffitt suggests that some individuals engage in

antisocial behavior only during adolescence due to environmental factors.
These environmental influences may include peer pressure, situational
stressors, or exposure to delinquent role models.
 Temporary Nature: Unlike the persistent pattern seen in the LCP pathway,
individuals on the AL pathway typically desist from antisocial behavior as
they transition into adulthood. Moffitt argues that these individuals are more
influenced by temporary situational factors than long-term genetic
predispositions.
Example:
Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers in American history, committed a series of
heinous crimes during the 1970s. Bundy's crimes primarily involved the abduction, rape, and
murder of young women. The exact number of his victims remains uncertain, but estimates
range from 30 to over 100.
He possessed a complex personality marked by both charm and a dark side. The interplay
between Bundy's genetic makeup and a troubled upbringing is often cited to explain his
criminal tendencies. While Bundy's charming demeanour allowed him to deceive and
approach his victims, his troubled upbringing included factors such as a tumultuous family
background, questions about his paternity, and potential exposure to violent media. This
combination of genetic predispositions and environmental influences is thought to have
contributed to Bundy's development as a serial killer.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, my perspective on the debate about whether criminals are born or made leans
towards the belief that both nature and nurture play pivotal roles in shaping behavior. While
genetics may contribute certain predispositions, the environment and life experiences also
exert profound influence. It's evident that a mix of factors, unique to each individual,
contributes to the complex puzzle of criminal behavior. Taking a stance on one side
oversimplifies this intricate issue. Recognizing the interconnectedness of nature and nurture
is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of criminality.
By understanding this complexity, we can strive for more effective approaches in preventing
crime and fostering rehabilitation for those who have veered off the right path.

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Title: Are criminals born or are they made?

The Nature Perspective:

The Nurture Perspective:

Key Aspects of Richard Ramirez's Case:

 Introduced to drugs in his youth, Ramirez's use of substances like marijuana

 Before his crime spree, Ramirez displayed disturbing behaviors, such as an

 Childhood trauma, including violence and family dysfunction, linked to

1. Life-Course-Persistent (LCP) Pathway:

 Genetic Influence: Individuals following the LCP pathway exhibit antisocial

 Neurodevelopmental Issues: Moffitt proposes that neurodevelopmental issues,

2. Adolescence-Limited (AL) Pathway:

 Environmental Influence: Moffitt suggests that some individuals engage in

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