Of course, violence is a complex subject, and so throughout history, various concepts and theories have emerged to try to explain it. Ibn Khaldun believes that humans have a natural tendency to violence. Hobz’s vision is that human nature is saturated with violence. Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s vision is that humans are naturally good and their corruption results from human civilization. Durkheim also believes that violence is a cultural phenomenon whose existence accompanies the process of social evolution. [1]
what do you think? Are criminals, murderers, rapists, and psychos born that way? Or do they choose to become like this of their own free will?
Perhaps everyone who reads this article has their definition of violence, but a general definition of it must be mentioned here. Violence is the practice of any physically, sexually, or psychologically harmful act or even the threat of it. Violence has many types and more terms, which may overlap with each other. We have domestic violence, psychological violence, and many more.
While we have the term Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) as the most used terms. As mentioned earlier, many individuals have tried to explain or put at least one reason behind violence. In this way, we can understand it and treat its causes. But what to do if a person has a genetic tendency to violence? Let’s see together.
Biomedical researchers, sociologists, and psychologists have been searching for genetic markers responsible for violent behavior in humans. Advances in neurochemistry and imaging technology have shown that many psychological or emotional and control disorders are associated with disruptions to normal brain activities. As a result of different gene expressions, chemical imbalances, and environmental factors. Among these disorders: are violence, suicide, depression, and stress. According to a meta-analysis, up to 50% of the total diversity of aggressive and violent behavior can be explained by genetic influences. The expression of certain genes in the brain can also vary depending on our genetic type and environmental factors.
Through several studies, the following was revealed:
Low MAO-A levels correlate with antisocial behaviors. A specific variant of the MAO-A gene (VNTR 2R MAOA) is a risk factor for violent deviation (only in boys exposed to additional stressors). A specific type of dopamine transporter 1 (DAT1) – DAT1*10R – may lead to dangerous deviant behavior. A type of DRD2 that is a risk factor for violent deviations (only when adolescents and young adults are exposed to excessive stress).
In an analysis of nearly 900 criminals, at least 5-10% were found to have a low-activity MAO-A genotype. Violence or violent behavior has also been linked with other genes. However, experts believe that it is illogical for a few genes to code for violence or crime. [2]
In the book “Society and Violence” written by a group of French researchers, the focus is on violence from the point of view of psychology, sociology, and economics.
Economists believe that violence is related to the competition to meet the needs of individuals necessary to ensure their survival and is linked to economic laws. Violence may appear in the economic aspect of life in many ways, including:
It sees violence as a complex issue that defies definition. Noting that there are differences and discrepancies between societies and cultures. This difference may be so great that the concept of “violence” differs radically from one society to another. Violence is also of a dual nature, according to sociologists. There is violence practiced by society, such as making its members comply with the prevailing social values and standards in their society, even if by coercion. On the other hand, there is violence practiced by individuals as a refusal to submit to these practices. It is breaking the rules, violating standards, and even doing what is forbidden and rejected by society.
Psychologists see two obstacles that separate us from understanding violence. It is to focus on the fact that human nature is one and constant without concern for surrounding external factors and circumstances. The second is the complete opposite. Therefore, the need to find a middle ground between these two contradictions must be stressed.
They also prefer to use the word “aggressiveness” instead of “violence”, as they see it as a vital energy that can be exploited and directed according to external circumstances. That is, it can be used positively or negatively, so aggressiveness is not an absolute evil. [3]
To clarify, if a patient attends one session of psychotherapy per month, the probability of committing a violent act will decrease to 10%. Compared to 14% if he did not attend any sessions, which is not a huge difference. However, it will become only 3% if the patient attends one session per week. Which makes it safer and less dangerous than your healthy neighbor who does not have any disorder! [4]
In conclusion, we would like to recall that violence is a human crime and wrong, regardless of the variety of reasons behind it and the circumstances that drive it. There are many agencies and centers dedicated to helping those in need. Perhaps with good parenting and support for those we know, we can avoid additional cases of violence or crime. Do not confront violence with violence, there is no benefit in that.
♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.
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References:
[1] Annaba
[2] JAX