Name: Ngô Thị Thùy Dung (03/04)

Class: Reading & Writing 3_Friday

“Critically evaluate whether the cause of delinquent behavior in teenagers is

mainly genetic or environmental. Analyze the effects this behavior has on
society.”

Adolescent offenders not only bring negative consequences for individuals and societies
but also grieves their parents. Genetic and upbringing is primarily factors considered as
lead to this deviant behaviors in young people. This essay will evaluate the role of both
elements as well as determine the behavior that can have seriously affected on society.

The first cause is genetic factors, some research indicates that children have their
parents who commit a crime, they will be likely to become criminal later. This means
that people can receive delinquency from their parents. According to the Cambridge
Study in Delinquent Development that has been pursuing the development of 411 males
in over 50 year period showed that the percentages of children from offending fathers
were higher than those whose fathers had non-criminal. In the same manner, in the
Minnesota Twin Family Study found that remarkable resemblances in those raised
different environments - strongly suggesting that genetics, not upbringing, have similar
behavior and personality. However, both research above is not strong enough to
conclude that delinquent behavior in teenagers is genetics.

The other reason for offending behavior in teenagers is the environment, especially,
people live and work around them such as family, neighborhoods, friends and the other
relationship. To a family environment, a number of studies have indicated that poor
parental management and discipline are related to the development of adolescents'
delinquent behavior. Besides, peer pressure is an integral role in the development
levels of crime. For example, lacking respect for their parents influenced their behavior
because it led to increases in antisocial peer affiliations (Simmons et al., 1991). When
the young stay nearby and contact with bad neighbors for a long time that can exert a
direct influence on an increase in delinquent behavior. It would appear that criminality
derives more often from these factors than from genetic factors.

These can be serious effects on society. Firstly, victims who have suffered the effects of
violence, they might be not only pained physical but also influence psychological.
Secondly, family and society feel depressed and disappointed about them. Finally,
individuals - offenders may be isolated by society. Moreover, they also incur a
punishment suitable to the offence such as fine or imprisonment.
In conclusion, delinquent behavior in juveniles is a severe situation by environmental
factors than genetic ones. Its impact is very large in society and even individual, their
family, and other relationships.