Transcript CJ 102 Criminology Unit 8

CJ 102 Criminology
Unit 8
Dr. Lois A. Wims
The Life Course Theories
• Crime and youth: the most consistent of many
aspects of criminology
• The study of “persistence” and “desistence” of
criminality is part of criminology and the focus
of much juvenile programming and ‘at risk’
ventures
Developmental Theory
• The Gluecks: early onset is a ‘predictor’ of persistence
• Maladjustments evident at school, at home, in social
settings
• Gluecks also famous for the ‘mesomorph’ research you
may remember earlier, and they also looked at
intelligence, personality factors, mental illness.
• Others have looked at school failures, early onset
alcohol and drug use on the developing brain
The ‘tasks’ of development
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Attachment to others
Education
job/independence
Your own family
Avoiding transitions prior to ‘readiness’ (i.e.
pregnancy/fatherhood, drugs/alcohol, dropping out)
• Or missing milestones because of interruption by
imprisonment or drugging/drinking
One route to trouble? Or many?
• Pathways theory: (Rolf Loeber et al)
• Authority Conflict Pathway (rule breaking,
truancy, defiance)
• Covert Pathway (sneak and property crimes,
fires)
• Overt Pathway (violence, ‘acting out’)
Predictors of Persistence or
Desistance?
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Early onset
Violence vs. property crime
Alcohol/smoking/marijuana
Socialization incomplete
Peer group choices
Gender (life course trouble, might not be crime)
Moment of Truth kids
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“adolescent limiteds”
Sometimes become cops!
Recognize the path they are on/’aha’ moments/
Able to attach action and consequence
More intelligent, particularly verbal