annerivendell (author) from Dublin, Ireland on February 08, 2015: Hi Ifeanyi, Thank you for your comment. Furthermore, being the youngest of five myself, I often feel uncontrolled rage and have a fabulous temper because of this. [5] Agnew, R. (1993). lazy, non working criminal family + peers. Transgender process for DBS checks DBS offers a … Poverty, parental neglect, low self-esteem, alcohol and drug abuse can be connected to why people break the law. All they need is for three elements to be in place: 2.Suitable Target: They see what they want, 3.Absence of Guardians: And there’s no one about. Labeling theory: People in power decide what acts are crimes, and the act of labeling someone a criminal is what makes him a criminal. As for poor Phineas Gage-remember that trephination was reputed to take place regularly at one time, (referred to in Philip Pullman's fantastic Trilogy, His Dark Materials, as Treepanning) and they've found skulls to "prove" it! Many people have their own theories on what makes a criminal. I also thank you for this blog, it was very helpful in the construction of a project I have been working on. Whether you’re trying to snatch a purse or … If you comeout to be a criminal, don't freak out. Each society has their own view of what is and is not a crime: For example, in Saudi Arabia, public displays of affection are illegal. Will you become a criminal? A lot of individuals relate violence with religions, poverty, adrenalin, gangs, and many other things. Tony Hisgett, CC-BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Not being encouraged to work, have goals + become well educated: includes Trade schools, apprenticeships etc. Routine activity and rational choice. Check fraud and forgery crimes were two that were often linked to drugs and/or alcohol, but also the two crimes where a conscious choice was made to profit from crime. During the formidable years of … Everyone's home is different. Lawyers are among the highest-paid professionals in the legal industry, and most … Drugs and/or alcohol are a part of the vast majority of crimes in one way or another. If a child is surrounded by crime, either within the family or the community, they are likely to learn criminal behaviour by any or all of the above methods. Additionally, those addicted to intoxicants may turn to crime to pay for their habit. The opportunity to commit a crime has to be present. There's an entire section on criminal psychology, theories, and sociology. While there are probably other reasons surrounding how someone becomes a criminal these are the most predominant reasons, supported by people with a career in law enforcement and what they’ve learned. Those who have to find a way to supply an addiction account for more crime. Bottom left is the tamping iron shown beside the skull. A person really wants something, such as material goods, a better lifestyle or even an education, but they can see no possible way of ever achieving it now or in the future. Purses left unattended in a shopping cart present the opportunity for a thief to steal it. Anomie seems to explain lots of criminal behavior, but it tends to blame society more than the criminal. I believe that the biggest factor on why criminals are the way they are and the way they think, has to do with their home life. You will have to go to criminal court if the police charge you with an offence. After the rehabilitation period has ended, the conviction becomes ‘spent’. Best of luck with it. They (Mostly) Look Like Criminals. A criminal mind is borne out of desperation. PROSTHETIC LIMBS ARE USEFUL FOR ALL OCCASIONS. --Biological factors do predispose some individuals to criminal behavior. Some people get into a financial bind and see crime as their only option. Is there a biological, psychological, or social factor that causes these actions? If you want to learn more, I suggest you consult any good textbook on forensic or criminal psychology. An altered state can lead directly to committing a criminal act. Society’s view of crime can also change with time; for example, Prohibition, Homosexuality, and more recently, Cyber crimes. Actual Skull of Phineas Gage. It is believed that damage to the Amygdala can have an effect of criminal behavior. Becoming a Criminal Justice Major. I'd say one of the biggest factors in why people act the way they act is based on how/where they grew up. This is a very interesting article. Hello. Lack of Christian moral values. Others just are plain greedy. All of these come under the heading of Brain Chemistry and all have a link to criminal behavior. I don't think people know how much they can really affect people's emotions or thinking. However, there are also theories that believe that some individuals become criminals due to their genetics. Thyroid also can contribute to criminal behavior. It can be caused by an accident, a difficult birth, a birth defect, a disease or other causes. Males are more likely, both historically and sociologically, to be responsible for a majority of criminal behavior. That's what most of criminality boils down to, in general. An ambulance is not penalised for breaking the speed limit. Because statistically more males commit crimes than females, it was proposed that this must be because of the genetic make-up of males. This is probably one of the best known psychological theories of crime. I think you might find it interesting. Not being encouraged to work, have goals + become well educated: includes Trade schools, apprenticeships etc. I was always really wary of his story, like you. There’s a wide variety of reasons people become criminals. It is criminal to steal a purse, It is daring to steal a fortune. If one article could answer the question as to how people become criminals we would be one our way to solving crime. Boston. In 1848, Phineas was a mild-mannered and conscientious railroad worker foreman in Vermont, U.S. (This child is an actor and is now an adult-picture printed with his permission). annerivendell (author) from Dublin, Ireland on October 17, 2014: Hi Salmon. It is a mark of greatness to steal a crown. Warren Anatomical Museum, Public Domain, Via Wikimedia Commons. [6] Bonger, W. (1916) Crime and Economic Conditions. These are just some of the more well-known psychological theories of crime. It is a slow going process but it dosen't just happen over night. These include genetics, hormones, brain chemistry (neurotransmitters) and brain structure and anatomy. Low IQ people, the book says, are more likely to commit crimes because they lack foresight and cannot understand that robbing someone is wrong. Sounds like a fun project. Allowing emotion to take over ones actions created a how quickly one can become a criminal for a number of individuals. The Hippocampus is where we store our memories. Earning Potential. This might indicate a genetic link, as identical twins have more genetic similarities, but also that personality is involved, in the case of the fraternal twins. However, it would seem that we do learn by similar methods. It is usually performed in a public place, such as on public transport or in a nightclub, among crowds of people, making it harder to spot people taking the photos. However, it is widely accepted that the reasons for crime are seldom one cause or the other, but rather a combination of some. Laterz Salmon out! And there are several psychological theories of crime, most of which have been shown to have a sound scientific basis. Lack of Christian moral values. However, it must also be remembered that brain damage also has the potential to cause depression, and that there was also a possibility that Phineas would have suffered from Post Traumatic Stress, either of which could also cause changes in his personal disposition. Some people are able to control anger or frustration and channel these feelings to nondestructive outlets. The blame diminishes as the guilt increases. If you are interested in how the environment, biology and DNA all play a role in criminal causes and effects, a career as criminologist may be your calling. 6 Comments. In all cases, the physiological and psychological changes caused by intoxicants negatively impact our self-control and decision-making. I completely agree with many of these topics and theories. What Makes Someone Become a Criminal? [6]. Reasons to Be a Criminologist. Harvard University. I often find that when older children or verging teenagers are patronized, it invokes in them the response of resentment and inferiority, It also undermines their intelligence, especially whereby they are prone to feeling outbursts of rage at these indictments. Juveniles also learn from other juveniles how to be a criminal. Criminologists play an important role in the criminal justice system. Some people think they deserve what they perceive others have without earning it. Omega 3 has been shown to lower levels of aggression, and poor nutrition before the age of 3 has also been linked to higher levels of aggression. Poor parenting, lack of parental discipline, love and direction. According to Raine Study, the causes may be Heredity, Neurotransmitter dysfunction and brain abnormalities, which could be caused either by the first two or trauma. While there are probably other reasons surrounding how someone becomes a criminal these are the most predominant reasons, supported by people with a career in law enforcement and what they’ve learned. You do not need to tell anyone about a spent conviction unless you’re applying for a job where a standard or enhancedcriminal record check is needed. All people are different though. There hasn't been a boring or even indifferent speaker yet. A child can learn to get what he wants by other means. Piscataway, NJ US: Transaction Publishers. Crimes surrounding the possession/use of drugs and alcohol account for some. I don't have any crime figures, if that's what you're looking for. He was overseeing the laying of explosives one fateful day. I chose crime because that's mostly what I talk about (apart from Zombies, Chainsaws and Bloody Murders but anyhow) I would like to learn some more basic facts on crime please help! Interestingly, since writing this hub, I came across another article which disputed that Gage remained unreliable and unsociable (http://www.thepsychologist.org.uk/archive/archive_... Best of luck with your study. Meanwhile, take a look at the video below for Rational Choice theory.. [1] Howit, D., (2009), Introduction to forensic and criminal psychology (3rd ed) Harlow, UK, Pearson Education. This one may sound useless, but it has real data to back it up. However, this theory has been largely discredited[1]. Current Directions In Psychological Science (Wiley-Blackwell), 17(5), 323-328. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8721.2008.00599.x, [4]Clarke, R. V., & Felson, M. (1993). All of these reasons can be related to why someone becomes a criminal, but “how” can be answered in a more concise manner. Answer: As mentioned in the article, there are many theories of why someone becomes a criminal, but it is generally agreed that it is a combination of genes, events, conditioning, and personality. I completely agree with this article. ... People who work in criminal justice are often subjected to tough decision-making situations, so they must … Many are taught how to commit crime, either by family members or friends. Journal Of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 46(6), 592-597. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2004.00393.x, [3] Raine, A. An examination of the intervening mechanisms between "social control" variables and delinquency. Have you ever watched the news or read an article about a horrific crime that was committed and wonder what would make a person do such a terrible thing? (2008). The police will send you a letter with the date, time, and address of the court you need to go to. A sad fact is parents often use their children to commit crimes, such as shoplifting, because juveniles are not punished as severely as adults. Environmental factors, unanticipated stressors and trauma, force the expression of certain genes and proteins over others. It can take a few years, a whole life time and then they suddenly snap. About & Disclaimer | Terms | Privacy | Contact, Criminal Justice Criminal getting away with Murder Dr Stanton Samenow Inside the Criminal Mind, How Water Pollution Affects the Environment. thanks for ur thought ,,,,,this hub is really a development to my study and so fascinating..... please i wana know how many years phineas gage lasted on that brutal condition//????thanks. For example, a Police car or an Ambulance may break the speed limit without suffering a penalty. Yes, Phineas Gage is an amazing story. This category spins a dead end cycle for how many people become criminals. Apologies for taking so long in replying: As far as I know, Phineas Gage lived for about 11 years after the accident. If that person were to be her father, she would grow up hating her father, and men in general. Drug dealers have found juveniles as viable resource in furthering their criminal ventures. If you put his name into any search engine you'll get plenty of information. Damage to this area could mean we do not remember being punished for our crimes, and so would commit them again and again. Your criminal record includes all: 1. cautions given by the police 2. convictions given at court You might be asked about your criminal record when you apply for: 1. a job 2. education or training 3. insurance 4. a licence Most convictions are followed by a rehabilitation period. It has been shown in studies with twins that identical twins are more likely to share criminal tendencies than non-identical (or fraternal) twins. Being told the world owes them a living. Kids that are abused or bullied in their home will feel unloved and rejected, therefor causing them to lash out on something. Anne has a BSc in Applied Psychology and qualifications in counselling, CBT & mindfulness. The minimum age at which someone can be asked to apply for a criminal record check is 16 years old. Thank you for your comment. Tyroid balance is essential for whats to be considered a normal thought pattern .... though a chemical in balance of the thyroid can be the sole factor to very aggressive criminal behavior . It is important that you go to court. Anger clouds judgment and when combined with opportunity allows many to commit crimes they normally would not. Answer: As mentioned in the article, there are many theories of why someone becomes a criminal, but it is generally agreed that it is a combination of genes, events, conditioning, and personality. Sometimes it's socio-economic, sometimes it's … Evidence for substantial genetic risk for psychopathy in 7-year-olds. Absent dad. This means that the police believe that you have done something against the law. This quiz is based on personality, day to day activities, and behavior. … This understandably causes dissatisfaction, perhaps even resentment against the people who do have what they want. This can tie-in somewhat with Learning Activity; for example, if a child learns that stealing is one way to get what they want, they will do it again. Poor parenting, lack of parental discipline, love and direction. Dori, CC-BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. They believed these mental disorders could be diagnosed and possibly cured. All of these reasons (except anger) surrounded monetary gain of some kind. Many theories are sharing biological approaches such as: Trait and psychodynamic trait theories, Lombroso’s Theory, Y Chromosome Theory and others. Absent dad. There also is a theory that where siblings come in the family can have an effect on their behavior. Subjects being under the influence of either drugs and/or alcohol, who are not thinking properly account for a lot of crime. annerivendell (author) from Dublin, Ireland on October 01, 2012: Thank you, Nettlemere. Keep in mind that this quiz is not 100% acurate. Nettlemere from Burnley, Lancashire, UK on September 30, 2012: That tamping iron through the skull is phenomenal. It's about experts in the field who talk about their research. While Phineas later appeared to have made a full recovery, those who knew him before the accident said that he was “No longer Gage” No longer mild mannered and conscientious, he became verbally aggressive and abusive, unreliable in his work and impatient and impulsive to the extent that the railroad company could no longer employ him. If there are a variety of theories of why people become criminals, it makes it … Some kids though triumph thru their hard past and learn to be independent and grow from those hardships, while some may take those to heart and keep it with them for the rest of their life. Others, like the gunman accused of killing six people … Where traditionally environmental factors leading to a criminal lifestyle has been researched, the role of genetic factors is a relatively new field of study. Once a person is labeled a criminal, society takes away his opportunities, which may ultimately lead to more criminal behavior. Poor chap. They conduct research, teach and work with various law enforcement agencies. Although, the environment has a significant influence on whether a gene is muted or aggravated the gene is typically the main factor. A Marxist theory, which says that the Criminal Justice System is seen as being developed by the dominant classes to the sole advantage of the dominant classes, causing resentment and rebellion. Throughout their lives people are given a variety of symbolic labels in their interactions with others. lazy, non working criminal family + … Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that affects mood, which in turn can affect criminal behavior. The reasons someone may choose to commit a crime are as varied as the different types of people. From Genes to Brain to Antisocial Behavior. After a career in law enforcement these are the reasons I saw as to how someone becomes a criminal. Getting Help as an At-Risk Youth Identify at-risk youth. But humans are not dogs, rats or monkeys. Similar to drugs/alcohol, angers chemical reaction in the brain causes irrational thought and lack of control. Since many people in our society will never become rich (minorities, the poor, etc. I therefore feel that in addition to these other theories, people might consider the simple act of how we show respect to children and what effects this may have on their feelings? Yes, I agree that family environment has been shown to bea contributing factor in crime. Biological theories purport, that criminal behavior is caused by some flaw in individual’s biological makeup. Deviant behavior is … Testosterone, the male hormone, is linked to levels of aggression. However, I did hear that they found similar effects in other brain damaged and lobotomized individuals. Some good, some average, some bad and some terrible. Others just are plain greedy. Aside from biological traits indicating a natural tendency toward criminal activity by some individuals, Lombroso and other early twentieth century researchers also reasoned that criminal behavior could be a direct result of psychological disorders. Lacking constructive things to do with ones time puts people in the position to look for those opportunities to commit crime. This subject fascinates me because it proves that everyone is human and we all have different reasons for the way we act, good or bad, therefor proving that no one was born a monster. 12 Answers. Very interesting hub and well evidenced hub. ), they take up criminal behavior to become wealthy, or simply as an act of rebellion. [2] Viding, E., Blair, R. R., Moffitt, T. E., & Plomin, R. (2005). It appeared that the damage to the frontal cortex caused the change in Phineas. All of these reasons (except anger) surrounded monetary gain of some kind. Phineas Gage. I'm not a forensic psychologist, so that is about the limit of my knowledge. My class is doing a project on changing the world! Some of these theories are based on first hand knowledge or experience, some unfortunately may be based on racism or prejudice, and some on scientifically investigated studies. Poverty, acceptance, poor mental health, no secure attachment to a nurturer during childhood development (poor parenting), subculture, peer pressure, being labeled, associations, drug addiction, thrills, and opportunity to name a few. This category deals with a lot of juveniles who are left to fend for themselves when it comes to time management. Elliott Ploutz from Las Vegas, Nevada on October 03, 2012: Gah. The Frontal Cortex, as the name suggests, is to the front of our brain and would also appear to be involved, among other functions, with our self control-as one famous case-study showed: The most famous case of brain damage causing a change in self-control is one of a man called Phineas Gage. It is not that there is one specific gene that makes a person a criminal, but that there are traits that may lead to a criminal act. Vehicles left unlocked present the opportunity for a burglar to enter and steal belongings. If this was true, then criminal activity could be considered a disease and … Criminology also addresses topical issues, researching for example why young people become radicalised.A young German girl made the headlines internationally in the summer of 2017: she was arrested by Iraqi soldiers in Mosul following the city’s … Good hub, annerivendell. They get away with it, and do it again and again, until it becomes routine [4]. She teaches mindfulness workshops and courses. I can try to figure out if you are criminal material or not. Question: What factors create a criminal? There are several types of crime control, which involve artificial interfe… That doesn't mean you will be a criminal. For instance if a girl is abused as a child or young adult she will have ill feelings to the person that abused her. But studies with twins have shown that identical twins are more likely to share criminal tendencies than non-identical (or fraternal) twins. He worked in various jobs, but eventually developed severe epilepsy and died during a seizure. [3] This may be because the person concerned would have a limited fear and conditioning response, thus fear of punishment would not deter them from committing a crime. If you haven't heard of it already, I want to tell you about TEDtalks! Incredibly, Phineas not only survived, but walked to the cart which was to transport him to a doctor. annerivendell (author) from Dublin, Ireland on October 04, 2012: I absolutely LOVE TEDtalks! Either way, young kids/adults will react to these situations differently. Your genes could be a strong predictor of whether you stray into a life of crime, according to a new research paper. A criminal is someone who has committed a crime or broken the law. Right or not. Anyone and everyone can become a criminal. Phineas was using the tamping iron, which was 3’8” long and 1.5” in diameter, when a spark ignited the explosive and sent the tamping iron straight through his left cheek and out through the frontal cortex, landing several feet behind him. As late as the 1950s researchers continued to investigate the relationship of body types to delinquency and crime. It has been shown in studies with twins that identical twins are more likely to share criminal tendencies than non-identical (or fraternal) twins. Journal Of Research In Crime & Delinquency, 30(3), 245-266. . But then they see there is a way to achieve their desires through stealing, drug dealing or other criminal behaviour [5]. Japan is the almost crime free country now so no theory work for them, I think a perfect social system works a criminal mind people.. How can you relate and apply sociology in criminology and security studies. Question: Why is it that siblings can be in the same environment and one shows a high level of criminality and the others do not? https://www.ukessays.com/essays/criminology/factors-crime-committing.php Some people get into a financial bind and see crime as their only option. © 2017 Actforlibraries.org | All rights reserved mathira from chennai on November 18, 2013: Lack of good family life also can make people turn towards violence as they have not experienced love or emotional security. annerivendell (author) from Dublin, Ireland on January 29, 2014: Sorry I only saw this commnet now, Cennai! For example, middle children often show more challenging behaviors and it's theorized that it is because they are trying to get attention. .high T3 - low T4 can be a big factor in the make up of criminal behavior. This was the case even when identical twins were separated at birth, so environment or upbringing would not necessarily have been a factor [2]. Circumstance can also change whether certain behavior is a crime or not. It's not good to base theories on one popular example. Life Science Databases(LSDB), CC-BY-SA-2.1-jp, via Wikimedia Commons. We might be the crack that breaks the ice. The part of the brain associated with or emotions is called the Amygdala (am-ig-d-la). Later on if a man upsets her in a specific way to her, she will then be even more outraged by men. Answer: There is seldom just one factor, rather a combination. Some people think they deserve what they perceive others have without earning it. They've contained their rejection and past thru many years but one day someone could hit a pressure point and then they loose it. It was the practice to lay sand over the explosives in a hole and then to tap it down with a tamping iron. Answer: There is not just one cause of brain damage. Very few children will grow up to join gangs … Hyperthyroid..coupled with perhaps , other influences ,lend to criminal behavior . One theory I suggest that I regard quite highly is the patronization of young children in the domestic home. Why do they do it? Even so, some psychologists still believe that this is not conclusive evidence of a genetic link.[1]. Johann Schiller (1759-1805) Wesowanactandreapahabit: We sow a habit and reap a character: We sow a character and reap a destiny. We learned about him in Freshman year Psychology, but I did remember hearing something about him before that. More males than females commit crimes. In part this may be explained by hormonal differences, with testosterone being a hormone linked to more violent and risky behavior. There are many contributing factors that leads to criminal behavior such as the economy, social environment, family, mental disorders etc. What do you need to know, besides what's in the hub? Little Brown.