To further build on my previous post, when an un-nurturing environment meets an individual already genetically susceptible to sociopathic tendencies, a violent serial offender is born. It is not inconceivable that depending on genetics people are more or less prone to emotions such as anger, fragility or meekness, complacence and so forth. Likewise, it is reasonable to conclude that some individuals are born without a strong sense of empathy. Based on the env
ironment they are exposed to during childhood, they may learn consideration and fairness to help balance what their genetic coding has left lacking; or, their lack of concern for others may be further encouraged as the product of an abusive and neglectful upbringing. This would explain why two boys who grow up in similarly abusive environments would diverge later in life to where one is a contributing member of society, while the other becomes a serial killer unleashing the furies of his rage on hapless victims.
Researchers seeking to determine whether genetics are a factor pertaining to issues such as violence and alcoholism, for example, have found that adoptive children have rates of use and abuse closer to that of their natural parents than to their adoptive parents (Goode, 2008, p. 61). This signifies that a part of who we are is determined even before birth. The question then becomes, what do we do about it?
While it may not be feasible to believe that we can determine who children will become, it is important to understand the influences that act upon individuals, in order to comprehend them. This is where the criminal profiling comes into play. Profilers are simply attempting to understand the person behind the crimes. The more we understand motives, personality, behavior, environmental influences, and the events that led to the obliteration of empathetic feelings, as well as the world as viewed by sociopaths, the better we can become at following the clues to the perpetrator before the body count climbs to double digits. It’s all about understanding, not about fortune telling.Goode, Erich. (2008). Drugs in American Society. New York: McGraw Hill.
Very interesting post Shea, I have heard that there is a genetic connection or link from parents who have deviant minds. However I have to wonder if promoting this in those children who are prone genetically to act deviantly based on genetics will foster this behavior. It would be counterproductive to insinuate that this will occur in those children and placing them in a position to meet society's expectation of them.
ReplyDeleteAngela,
ReplyDeleteYou have accurately identified what has been a long standing problem. To target children based on what they may become, is to possibly create a self-fulfilling prophecy. To do nothing, however, could also lead to a new and more violent generation of criminal behavior. For this reason, I truly believe that prevention is going to be difficult, but if we can figure out a way to treat these individuals, and in a sense turn back the clock, we may be able to discourage further destruction. It is a dilemma, with an elusive solution.