Are Some Kids Born to Be Delinquents or Do They Simply "choose" to Commit Crimes?

Are some kids born to be delinquents or do they simply "choose" to commit crimes?

Whether the act of committing a crime is a matter of choice or an inevitability of a certain type of human nature, has been the source for inexhaustible debate; nevertheless, the central focus in the study of crime in human history. The "Two Cesare's", successfully, made the case for both schools of thought and, frankly, in my opinion, I don't see why one should be advocated for over the other. Man and its relation to crime over history, cannot be reduced to a matter that is black or white.

I am, certainly, open to any biological, psychological, sociological, etc., explanation or approach that attempts to expose a linked causation to criminal behavior. After all, crime is complex with multi-varied, interwoven factors and causes as I consider both schools to be. Although, for the rational man, committing a crime is a choice, there just might be hereditary characteristics that explain why that individual tends towards the more criminal mentality or choices. It would be foolish, likewise, for me to ignore that social environments are, many times, an essential aspect to consider in a criminal, adult or juvenile. Whether it is by trait or choice, we all have very distinct inherent personalities and the way we react or process our situations vary to great degrees. The way a child is raised, the parenting they received and religious upbringing, the community they grew up in, the events that child has witnessed, among many other factors, certainly have a conscious and unconscious influence on their criminal capabilities during their lifetime. Of course, exposures to certain scenarios are the cause for a higher level of likelihood to engage in crime and we should be conscientious of these realities, but, ultimately, even the individual raised or exposed to the most exemplary of environments and conditions are susceptible to commit a crime at some point for whatever reason. Do people commit crimes because of their genes or because they just feel like it? I don't think it should be that much of a debate, we should choose to mix and match theories of both schools.

Although, admittedly, a vague resolve, ultimately, I believe the best that we can do to prevent individuals of any age from committing crime is to create awareness of the consequences for failure to resist impulses, free choice, temptations, inherent tendencies, or whatever it is that one considers, can lead to crime. I do want to make clear, however, that my opinion extends to the rational individual. I haven't a clue what to make of criminals who have mental handicaps, such as retardation etc., many of these individuals, unfortunately, cannot analyze in the same fashion a rational person would.

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