RT Article
T1 Beyond a Crime Gene: Genetic Literacy and Correctional Orientation
JF American journal of criminal justice
VO 47
IS 3
SP 485
OP 505
A1 Graham, Amanda
A2 Barnes, J. C. 1982-
A2 Liu, Hexuan
A2 Cullen, Francis T. 1951-
LA English
YR 2022
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1883303389
AB Is there a "crime gene"? This question has been answered by the scientific community, and the response is a definitive "no." Yet, it is unclear whether this information has been communicated to the general public. Furthermore, it is unclear whether people’s views about the genetics of crime influence their perceptions of the way offenders should be treated. This study uses attribution theory to understand how perceptions of the role of genetic factors in criminal behavior influence beliefs about the punishment, redeemability, and rehabilitation of offenders. Drawing on a national sample of White respondents (N = 392), this study finds that only a small proportion believe there is a single crime gene. Compared to other respondents, those who believe crime is caused by a single gene believe that punishment should be weakened, are less supportive of rehabilitation efforts, and believe that offenders are less capable of redemption. Implications of these findings are discussed.
K1 Attribution Theory
K1 Crime gene
K1 Genetic literacy
K1 Public Opinion
K1 Punishment
DO 10.1007/s12103-020-09595-5