Research Questions That Interest Developmental Theorists
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Why do kids begin committing antisocial acts?
Why do some stop while other continue?
Why do some escalate the severity of their criminality? Why do other de-escalate and commit less serious crimes as they mature?
If some terminate their delinquent activity, what, if anything caused them to begin again?
Why do some delinquents specialize in certain types of crime, whereas others are generalists?
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Life Transitions Concepts
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Certain life transitions are expected to take place in some predictable order, e.g.
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Completing school
Getting a job
Getting married
Having Children
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Disruptions in life’s major transitions can be destructive and, ultimately, may promote criminality. Those who are already at risk because of socioeconomic problems or family dysfunction are the most susceptible to these awkward transitions. The cumulative impact of the disruptions sustains criminality from childhood into adulthood.
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Problem Behavior Syndrome
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This concepts holds that crime occurs among a group of antisocial behaviors that cluster together and typically involve:
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family dysfunction
substance abuse,
smoking
precocious sexuality and early pregnancy
emotional underachievement
suicide attempts
sensation seeking
unemployment
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Farrington’s Theory of Delinquent Development
Risk Factors for a Delinquent Career
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Early childbearing increases the risk of some undesirable outcomes for children
Impulsiveness, hyperactivity, restlessness and a limited ability to concentrate
Low intelligence and poor performance in school
Harsh or erratic parental discipline and cold or rejecting parental attitudes
Living in a home affected by separation or divorce
Social and economic deprivation
Having friends who are delinquents
Being raised in disorganized inner cities that are characterized by physical deterioration
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Developmental Theories:
Social Development Model (SDM)
The General Theory
of Crime
