Life Course / Developmental Theory Flashcards
What does the age crime curve say?
Crime tends to peak in adolescence and drop off later into adulthood
What does Robin’s paradox say?
Criminal adults tended to be delinquent children; but most delinquent children do not turn out to be criminal adults
What are the three concepts life course theory tries to explain?
Onset, persistence, desistence
What are the three types of life course theories?
Continuity theories; continuity and change theories; continuity or change theories
What are Moffitt’s three types of people in continuity or change theory?
Non-offenders, adolescent-limited, life course persistent
What types of characteristics are present in life course persistent offenders?
High activity level, irritability, poor self-control, low cognitive functioning
What are obstacles that life course persistent offenders experience early in life?
Poor prenatal care, poor family relations, poor socialization, isolation, cutting off opportunities
What are characteristics of adolescent limited offenders?
Mimicry, demonstrate independence, desire to act “adult”; rebel
Around what age do adolescent limited offenders desist?
20
What is the process for adolescent limited offenders?
Normal children —> maturity gap —> mimic life course persistent offenders —> adult responsibilities —> desistance
What are trajectories?
Long-term pathways through life
What are transitions?
Changes in roles and statuses
What are turning points?
Changes in trajectory
In persistence, what assumes that stability in offending over time is due to differences in antisocial characteristics?
Population heterogeneity
What is the piling up of negative experiences, making it difficult to succeed?
Cumulative disadvantage
