Many researchers believe that we can now study the behaviour of children to see if they will grow up to be criminals, while others disagree. To what extent do you think crime is determined by genetics? Is it possible to stop children from growing up to be criminals?

There are many psychologists today who believe that

crime

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comes from inborn, genetic characteristics. In my opinion, genetics play a small role in criminal

behaviour

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and it is much more sensible to combat

crime

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by looking to family circumstances. Those who believe strongly in the role of genetics in determining future

behaviour

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can point to case examples and hard data. It is very common for the children of violent criminals to display some degree of abnormal

behaviour

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as children and later in life. Scientists can ground their theories of

crime

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by mapping the genetic code of an individual and

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identifying similarities between the family members of criminals.

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, their results may uncover some genetic factors but it is much more likely that a child raised by a criminal will simply have a poor upbringing and social factors will explain their anti-social

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.

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is supported by recent research into developmental psychology showing the physical changes that occur in brain formation

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of upbringing.

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, it is largely possible to prevent most

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crime

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crimes

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by taking an active, positive role in childcare. A good counter-example of

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comes from the case studies of

serials

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serial

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killers. Without exception, all serial killers came from abusive, broken homes. The physical and sexual abuse present in their childhood, later manifested itself in their compulsions to exert power over others. Naturally,

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does not mean that abuse necessarily leads to

crime

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, as many others overcome their difficult backgrounds to become well-adjusted adults. It does,

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, imply a large proportion of criminal

behaviour

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can be prevented by a supportive family environment. Knowing that they are loved and accepted by their parents, will make children less likely to seek attention through bad

behaviour

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or abuse drugs to cope with their problems, both of which are early indicators of possible criminality. In conclusion, though nature may be a marginal factor in criminal psychology, I believe that emphasis on the social environment is the real key to fighting

crime

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. It is

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important to invest in social services, education, and child welfare programs.