The question of why crime exists is one that will never cease. While there are many theories that attempt to address and explain this phenomenon, two concepts stand out. They involve the belief that the social environment is the main reason why individuals commit crime, and, secondly, crime occurs and is fostered by biological traits that eventually lead to criminal behavior. While both theories argue on why their concept is correct, the fact is that a combination of both biological and social factors combined mold people into who they are and determines the mindset of one that chooses to engage in criminal behavior.
In order to understand how an environment can shape a mindset that has the potential to lead to deviant behavior, we must first identify what a social environment is. A social environment is molding behavior based on a set of morals, values and beliefs instilled in individuals during childhood. These morals, values and beliefs form a system that facilitates decision making throughout the course of an individual’s’ life.
Several criminal theorists have attempted to research and define the commonality between one’s social environment and how it ties into crime. “Recent studies show that during the last 5 years, 60 percent of the entire world’s city residents have been a victim to violence, crime and felony. Thus, the increasing crime rate, violent or non-violent, is a serious threat for all the urban societies of the world.” This proves that society has created a social environment that contributes to criminal behavior. But there are other variables that need to be considered when identifying what leads a person towards deviant behavior.
One of the best examples of a criminogenic need that ties into the social learning environment would be criminal peers. Such peers are those individuals that tend to coerce or indirectly affect the decision making of another. “It is reasonable to suppose that adolescents can be influenced by peers who are not actually present during a delinquent event.” Oftentimes, a young adult will elect to participate in delinquent behavior to “fit in” with their peers. If that involves engaging in criminal activity, then so be it.
However, there is a possibility that if such an individual had been raised in a positive environment, there is a chance that the individual may elect to refrain from deviant behavior due to said environment. Unfortunately, there is also research that indicates the opposite. Those that have been raised under not so fortunate circumstances often exhibit criminal behavior later in life; however, statistically they have a lower probability to do so.
Other factors that can be directly linked to the social environment would include child abuse, domestic violence and emotional harm. “Research into the impact of childhood abuse and neglect on violent behavior of adults who became serial killers concluded that adults who had been physically, sexually, and emotionally abused as children were three times more likely than were non-abused adults to act violently as adults.” A lack of positive developmental traits is connected with behavior as children go onto adulthood. Children learn from their parents and their environment. An example is a child that has been raised in a home where aggression and violence is common. That child has a much higher probability to be impulsive, and may have difficulty expressing emotions in a positive manner.
Many often question whether it is possible to determine a link between genetics and criminal behavior. The answer is yes, genetics does play a role. Adrian Rane, a bio-psychologist, once stated that “despite strong resistance in many quarters, there is now little scientific doubt that genes play a significant role in antisocial behavior.” At the moment of conception, genetics begin to play a factor in the development of traits that have the potential to lead an individual down the path of illegal behavior.
Addiction is also an example of a genetic or biological trait that is passed on through generations and has been identified as hereditary. While it is possible for a child to be born with an addiction to illegal substances, many times, an individual is exposed to such a substance later in life and finds them self easily addicted. It is possible that they carried a gene that would predispose them to an addictive personality, and once exposed to a situation, they were easily led to criminal thinking and deviant behavior.
Biological factors also play a role in childhood development and can result in mental health problems. If someone is predisposed to enjoying solidarity, and is raised in an environment that lacks positive reinforcement of social skills, the end result can be devastating. Silva, Leong, and Ferrari (2004) identified a link between serial homicidal behavior and Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This disorder can be identified as “Any person, talented or handicapped, whose social skills have been severely deficient since very early childhood, who started to talk late or whose communicative use of language is inadequate, and who perseverates and lacks cognitive and behavioral flexibility meets the diagnostic criteria for an autistic-spectrum disorder.” This is one explanation for why serial killings and mass murders occur.
In conclusion, while crime occurs for many reasons, researchers have made attempts to gain answers to identify the cause of the criminal mindset. Some research leads to believe social learning theory and environmental factors are the only reasons for why an individual elects to exhibit criminal behavior. On the other hand, many research projects have taken an even deeper look and claim that while social skills and the environment do play a major role, the fact remains that the environment is a doorway to unlocking genetic traits that are instilled in people from conception. While the social landscape is vital in raising a child with proper morals, values and beliefs, it is not the only contributing factor in the causation of criminal activity. It is a combination of both biological factors in addition to our social environment that molds each of us into who we are today.