NCJ Number
156024
Journal
Society Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: (January/February 1995) Pages: 37-41
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article identifies genetic influences that partially explain differences in criminal behaviors by race within and among cultures.
Abstract
In multiracial countries such as the United States, Great Britain, Brazil, and Canada, Asians are the most law abiding, Africans the least, and Europeans intermediate. This pattern also persists in China and the Pacific Rim, Europe and the Middle East, and Africa and the Caribbean, based on recent INTERPOL crime data. This article argues that significant racial variation exists not only in crime but also in other traits that predispose to crime, including testosterone levels, brain size, temperament, and cognitive ability. Together, these genetic factors are shown to affect sexual behavior, marital stability, family structure, socialization within the family, academic performance and school adjustment, impulsive behavior, and aggressiveness. Although the author presents scientific evidence to support genetic differences among the races that contribute to antisocial behaviors, he also advises that no more than approximately 50 percent of the behavioral variance among races is based in genetic differences, with the remaining 50 percent being due to the environment. 7 suggested readings