Research The Biological Causes Of Crime And The Eugenics Mov

Research the biological causes of crime and the eugenics movement using the textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet. Based on the scenario, and drawing on your readings and research, respond to the following: Why do you think some people are troubled by the idea that crime has a biological cause?

Natalie was growing concerned about her daughter Brandi’s school performance. Her grades had dropped since the beginning of the school year, and she seemed reluctant to go to school. On some days, she complained of vague symptoms, such as stomachache or headache. On other days, she simply did not get out of bed. Natalie took her to the doctor, but there was no definitive diagnosis.

She questioned Brandi about any problems at school, but Brandi was uncommonly quiet. Natalie then looked at Brandi’s Facebook page and saw a series of comments from Brandi’s friends about a school bully. When Natalie confronted Brandi, the child broke down crying and told the whole story. Another girl, who was two years ahead of her in school, was bullying her. She would tease Brandi in school, leave nasty messages on her Facebook page, and even threatened her on several occasions.

Natalie was furious and immediately arranged a meeting with the teacher and school principal. The school officials attempted to address the problem by speaking to the girl and her parents. The parents placed their daughter in treatment; she was diagnosed with a behavior disorder and put on medication, which seemed to work. Both the girl’s parents and the school officials explained to Natalie that the girl had an underlying medical condition that caused her to become angry and lack impulse control. The school officials were reluctant to suspend the girl because it was “not her fault” but rather a “biological factor” causing the behavior.

Natalie was still upset. She did not understand why her own daughter should suffer. She had a nagging suspicion that the bully’s parents were using the biological cause as an excuse for their daughter’s bad behavior. Research the biological causes of crime and the eugenics movement using the textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet. Based on the scenario, and drawing on your readings and research, respond to the following: Why do you think some people are troubled by the idea that crime has a biological cause?

Paper For Above instruction

The idea that crime has biological causes has long been a controversial topic within criminology, eliciting varied reactions depending primarily on cultural, ethical, and scientific perspectives. Some individuals find the biological explanation for criminal behavior troubling because it seemingly reduces personal responsibility, implying that individuals are biologically predisposed to criminal activity beyond their control. This perspective raises fears of deterministic outlooks, where offenders are viewed as victims of their biology rather than agents capable of moral choice or personal reform. Consequently, such views threaten traditional notions of justice, emphasizing punishment rather than rehabilitation, and may stigmatize individuals with certain biological traits or disorders.

Empirical research has identified several biological factors associated with increased propensity for criminal behavior, including genetic predispositions, neurochemical imbalances, and brain abnormalities. For instance, studies have linked anomalies in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates impulse control, with impulsive and antisocial behavior (Raine, 2002). Similarly, genetic studies suggest that certain gene variants, such as those involved in serotonin regulation, may predispose individuals to aggression and impulsivity (Caspi et al., 2002). These biological factors challenge the notion of free will, as they suggest a biological predisposition that influences behavior, raising ethical concerns about personal accountability and societal response to crime.

The eugenics movement, which gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sought to improve the genetic quality of human populations through controlled breeding, often targeting groups deemed "undesirable." Eugenics promoted the idea that behaviors, including criminal tendencies, were hereditary and could be eliminated by selective sterilization or segregation. This pseudoscientific ideology was deeply intertwined with biological explanations of crime, leading to widespread human rights abuses such as forced sterilizations and institutionalization of individuals with mental illnesses or disabilities (Lombardo, 2008). The association between biological determinism and eugenics reflects an extremist extension of the belief that genetics solely determine behavior, fostering notions of racial and social superiority and reinforcing systemic discrimination.

Scholarly research provides critical insights into the detrimental impact of the eugenics movement and its flawed biological assumptions. For example, Kevles (1985) critically examines how eugenics misused scientific findings to justify discriminatory policies, revealing that the movement ignored the complex interplay of environment, culture, and biology in shaping human behavior. Much of the eugenics ideology was rooted in flawed interpretations of genetics and reinforced racist and classist stereotypes. Conversely, modern genetics acknowledges the multifactorial nature of criminal behavior, emphasizing that biological predispositions are only one component among environmental, social, and psychological factors (Mednick et al., 1984). This nuanced understanding helps contextualize biological influences without succumbing to deterministic or discriminatory practices, thus providing a more ethical framework for understanding and addressing criminal behavior.

In conclusion, the reluctance or discomfort some individuals have regarding the biological causes of crime stems from concerns over moral responsibility, potential for deterministic labeling, and the historical misuse of biological theories as seen in the eugenics movement. While biological research offers valuable insights into the complex etiology of criminal behavior, it must be approached with caution, ethical considerations, and acknowledgment of environmental influences. Understanding the multifaceted nature of criminality helps promote more humane, effective, and scientifically accurate responses, moving beyond simplistic or prejudiced interpretations rooted in the flawed ideology of eugenics.

References

• Caspi, A., McClay, J., Moffitt, T. E., et al. (2002). Role of genotype in the cycle of violence in maltreated children. Science, 297(5582), 851-854.
• Kevles, D. J. (1985). In the Name of Eugenics: Genetics and the Uses of Human Heredity. University of California Press.
• Lombardo, P. (2008). A Century of Eugenics in America: Corrections and Continuing Influence. Public Health Reports, 123(3), 343-349.
• Mednick, S. A., Gabrielli, W. F., & Hutchings, B. (1984). Genetic influences in criminal convictions: Evidence from adopted and twin data. Archives of General Psychiatry, 41(3), 236-245.
• Raine, A. (2002). Biosocial Studies of Antisocial and Violent Behavior. The Journal of Neuroscience, 22(17), 7183-7187.