The Faulty Concept of the "Genetic Murderer" - The Misconception Surrounding the Existence of a Lethal Genetic Trait
Article:
In the Rostock psychological drama "Police Call 110: Born Evil," taciturn loner Milan Greuner (Eloi Christ) is suspected of murder following the death of an environmental activist. His unusual pastimes, such as hunting and burying carcasses, his family history of serial killings, and his origins in a rape, raise suspicions. Even his mother doubts, "The killing is just in him, like his father." However, the sinister conclusion of the series contradicts the simplistic assumption of a "killer gene." Instead, the perpetrator is revealed to be the unsuspecting neighbor boy.
Scientific research widely disagrees with the notion of a single "criminal gene" that inexorably leads to criminal behavior. A large-scale study published in the science magazine "Bild der Wissenschaft" in 2014 found that genetic factors could influence a criminal or violent career, but only in complex collaboration with environmental factors and personal development.
In a vast study of around 800 Finnish prisoners, researchers analyzed DNA samples to search for connections between crime and genetic factors. They discovered above-average occurrences of a signal in violent criminals at two genetic locations. One of these was in the MAO-A gene, which, under specific conditions, could lead to an imbalance of neurotransmitters like serotonin, fostering increased irritability and aggression. Another gene variant, found associated with habitual offenders, was CDH13, which also plays a role in ADHD-related problems with impulse control.
However, these problematic gene variants do not make anyone a murderer, stress the researchers. Criminal behavior is a complex phenomenon influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Whether someone carries these "potential risk factors" does not predict whether they will commit an act of violence in their lifetime. Thus, the myth of the "Natural Born Killer" remains just that—a popular cliché.
Background:
The relationship between genetic factors and criminal behavior has been extensively studied within biosocial criminology, a discipline that integrates biological, psychological, and environmental perspectives to comprehend criminal conduct. Two genes, in particular, have been implicated in this context: MAO-A and CDH13.
The MAO-A gene encodes an enzyme essential for neurotransmitter metabolism, monoamine oxidase A, heavily involved in mood regulation and impulse control. Variations in this gene, especially those leading to lower enzymatic activity, have been linked to increased impulsivity and aggressive behavior, which are risk factors for criminal conduct.
CDH13, on the other hand, encodes cadherin-13, a protein involved in cell adhesion in the nervous system and associated with neurodevelopmental pathways influencing behavior. Polymorphisms in CDH13 have been linked to impulsivity, substance abuse, and conduct disorders, all of which increase the risk of criminal behavior, though the association is less evident compared to MAO-A.
It is crucial to remember that genetic factors like MAO-A and CDH13 do not deterministically cause criminal behavior. Instead, they interact complexly with environmental and social factors to influence behavior. Biosocial criminology emphasizes this multifactorial model, rejecting simplistic "born criminal" theories and emphasizing prevention and intervention strategies that consider both genetic vulnerabilities and environmental contexts.
- In light of the scientific researchcontradicting the notion of a single "criminal gene," it's important to consider the complex interplay between genetic factors, such as MAO-A and CDH13, environment, and personal development in shaping criminal behavior, as demonstrated in the Rostock psychological drama "Police Call 110: Born Evil."
- To promote mental health and wellness, therapies and treatments should be developed that address both genetic vulnerabilities, such as those related to the MAO-A and CDH13 genes, and environmental factors, supporting a holistic approach that aligns with the multifactorial model advocated by biosocial criminology.
