A controversial theory of genetics on crime causation relates to the notion of 'minimal brain dysfunction' which is a syndrome normally associated with children and teenagers in particular. Individuals who have this syndrome are said to have a number of factors related to abnormal or inappropriate behaviour and cognition. The term used to describe such a brain dysfunction is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is usually characterised by impulsivity – committing an act without thinking of any consequences, hyper activity – being abnormally or extremely active and inattentiveness – the inability to pay attention to things and concentrate. It has been noted that children who have this syndrome find it difficult to interact with other children. This difficulty can therefore lead to aggression and violence (Carrabine et al., 2014).
Research was conducted by Farrington et al (1990) on young men. The study had found that there was a significant connection between offending patterns and the characteristics of ADHD syndrome. Attention deficits were linked to having low cognitive ability and low intelligence and were mostly found within young men who lived in large families, with parents who had criminal history and Farrington believed that these boys were more likely to progress into having criminal careers (Carrabine et al., 2014).
This theory of genetic causation is at strength as it shows the effect having a brain dysfunction can have on people and how their behaviour can progress. However, it assumes that all individuals with ADHD will commit criminal behaviour. Further, the study carried out by Farrington focused more on boys with ADHD and did not show the effect it had on girls.
Reference:
Carrabine, E., Cox, P., Fussey, P., Hobbs, D., South, N., Thiel, D. and Turton, J. (2014). Criminology: A Sociological Introduction. 3rd ed. London and Newyork: Routledge.
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