Inherited Criminality explanation AO3 (10marks)

Question 1

Paragraph 1 - Reductionist - weakness - point

Answer 1

One weakness of the genetic explanation of Criminal behaviour is that it is highly reductionist. When looking at the MAOA gene ( warrior gene) does not factor in environmental factors and instead it suggests that it dictates the MAOA gene will cause us to develop criminal behaviour.

Question 2

Paragraph 1- Reductionist - weakness - Explanation (Diathesis stress model)

Answer 2

THis is a weakness because the diathesis stress model explains that whilst someone may have a genetic predisposition to criminal behaviour – it would need to be triggered by some form of environmental factor meaning that people can still carry this gene and not develop any criminal behaviours unless any major life events will cause this to develop.

Question 3

Paragraph 1- Reductionist - weakness - Example ( Bradley Waldrop)

Answer 3

For example, Bradley Waldrop was abused as a child, not having a loving household meaning that his MAOA gene was triggered by these traumatic life events, leading him to become a criminal

Question 4

Paragraph 1- Reductionist - weakness - Example (Jim Fallon)

Answer 4

However, Jim fallon also had the MAOA gene, but because he lived in a loving household and not experiencing any major life events that may trigger this gene. This led to him not developing any criminal behaviour

Question 5

Paragraph 1- Reductionist - weakness - Link

Answer 5

Therefore, this is a weakness because it
ignores any environmental factors that may shape the person to become a criminal

Question 6

Paragraph 2 - Scientific - Strength - point

Answer 6

One strength of genetic explanation of criminal behaviour is that it uses scientific methods to try and find an explanation for criminal behaviours

Question 7

Paragraph 2 - Scientific - Strength - Explanation

Answer 7

This is strength because researchers are able to look at specific genes that may be mutated to cause a person to elicit any agressive behaviours that will lead to developing any criminal behaviours

Question 8

Paragraph 2 - Scientific - Strength - Evidence

Answer 8

Brunner et al found that there was a mutation in the MAOA gene, this resulted in the men that he studied having low serotonin levels, which could account for their aggressive behaviours. Tilhonen et al also found that low MAOA activity and also low activity from the CDH13 gene led to an estimated 5-10% of all violent crime in Finland is due to abnormalities in these two genes. This meant they can come to conclusions as to why people develop criminal behaviours.

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Question 9

Paragraph 2 - Scientific - Strength - Link