Sensitive Genotypes and Their Varied Effect Based on Family Income Status

Incontrovertibly, the study of an individual’s income status as a limiting factor in their development has been a topic of Criminological research for decades. Though there have been vast amounts of research conducted regarding the impact of income on development, there is little research dedicated to understanding just how one’s genes can influence the effect that these environmental factors have on that individual. Subsequently, the field of biosocial criminology was developed to embody the idea that biology coupled with social interactions can help better explain human behavior and is a concept that has transformed the field of criminology.

In a study conducted by a researcher from the University of Kansas, it was found that “the same genotypes yield better or worse economic outcomes compared to one’s sibling, depending on parental income” (Diepenbrock). The study’s results suggest that a pair of siblings coming from the same household would have different economic success depending on whether or not one carried the genotype that the other did not. That is, “children with sensitive genotypes who come from low-income homes [would] be less financially successful than their same sex sibling without those genotypes” (Diepenbrock). Therefore, if a child carried that same genotype and was brought up in a high-income home, they would be more financially successful than their sibling that did not carry the sensitive genotype. With that being said, this study supports the researcher, Emily Rauscher’s, claim that one’s genes does not determine their behavior entirely, but that their environment affects these genes and ultimately shapes how they effect that individual.

Moreover, this study helps build a case for a basic minimum income- if these genotypes become beneficial at a certain income level, families could potentially receive aid until those levels are met. This would ensure that these genes were only being positively affected and would ultimately save government funds in the long run as children that possess these genes from low-income households tend to be more susceptible to criminal behavior and poverty as an adult. The gene-environmental interaction between sensitive genotypes and household income further supports the notion that neither our genes nor our environments are solely responsible for our behavior.

Works Cited

Diepenbrock, George. "Sensitive Genotypes Yield Disadvantage in Poor Families, but Advantage in Wealthier Ones." EurekAlert! KUNews, 13 Mar. 2017. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.