Evaluation

• This explanation is reductionist as it does not acknowledge other factors at play
• A diathesis-stress explanation condiders how environmental factors interact with a genetic predisposition
• Epigenetics is an example of nature and nurture working together as is explains that the genes we inherit can be ”switched” on or off and this is triggered in childhood through experience.
• Key study that supports epigenetics : capsi et al


  analysed those with the MAO-A gene and maltreatment is childhood and found those who experienced maltreatment and has the MAO-A gene were more likely to commit a crime compared to those who just had the MAO-A gene.
• Determinism and ethical implications

  If crim behaviour is down to biological factors, can we really blame people for their actions, and can they therefore be punished for their actions. This also absolves society from their own responsibility, as if has been argued that society inequality and poverty is a main reason for crime
• Determinism and ethical implications

  Certain ethnic groups are More likely to be arrested and imprisoned than others, and it may lead to the belief these groups are inferior to others. Once extreme consequence of this can lead to the attempt to eradicate criminal genes, this has happened in the past, an Attempt to sterilise future generations. This is called eugenics.
• Method of modification

  Sterilisation is one way. Another way is altering an individuals genetic composition, so undesirable traits can be eradicated. But this approach has not been successful in the past. Eugenics has been used by nazis in the past and this is deemed unethical.