Final answer:
The statement 'It is the environment which is 'responsible' for the objectionable behavior' reflects the environmental determinism theory, which suggests that the environment plays a significant role in shaping human behavior and societal ethical codes, as discussed by scholars like Ellen Churchill Semple and later critiqued in the socio-environmental research of Shaw and McKay.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the naturalist mosaic concept, it can be understood that the environment influences ethical behavior and is sometimes 'responsible' for objectionable behavior. This idea has been emphasized by various scholars throughout history. For instance, Ellen Churchill Semple suggested that distinct environments can shape a society's ethical code, and this was exemplified by her observation that amongst mountainous or desert peoples, robbery could become a virtue. Adding to this, the approach from Shaw and McKay in their research on cultural ecology suggests that the social environment, rather than ethnicity, influences behaviors such as juvenile delinquency.
Environmental determinism was a prominent theory in the early 20th century that assessed the impact of the environment on societies and cultures. However, it has faced critiques over time, being seen as a flawed theory unable to scientifically prove its claims. Still, the idea that our surroundings can significantly influence human behavior persists in various forms today, with contemporary theorists focusing on the interaction between humans and their environment rather than simply attributing character traits to climatic conditions.