Pathways and Turning Points Through Life
Introduction
This new explanation of crime and deviance over the life course is based on the reanalysis of a classic set of data.The authors show that attaining childhood adolescent and adult milestones has important effects on people's likelihood of offending.
They also find that the effects of these milestones vary depending on the individual's race and gender.
This research has important implications for understanding the causes of crime and deviance and for developing effective prevention and intervention programs.
Pathways to Crime
There are a number of different pathways that can lead to crime. Some of the most common include:- Childhood adversity: Children who experience abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life.
- Lack of opportunity: Children who grow up in poverty or who have limited access to education and employment opportunities are more likely to turn to crime as a way to make a living.
- Peer influence: Children who spend time with friends who engage in criminal behavior are more likely to adopt similar behaviors themselves.
Turning Points in Life
There are also a number of turning points in life that can lead to crime. These include:- Adolescence: Adolescence is a time of great change and upheaval. It is also a time when many people begin to experiment with risky behaviors, including crime.
- Young adulthood: Young adulthood is a time when people are making major decisions about their lives. These decisions can have a significant impact on their future, including their likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.
- Midlife: Midlife is a time when people often reassess their lives and make changes. This can be a time when people decide to leave a life of crime behind and pursue a more conventional path.
The Effects of Race and Gender
The effects of pathways and turning points on crime vary depending on the individual's race and gender. For example, research has shown that:- Black youth are more likely to experience childhood adversity and lack of opportunity than white youth.
- Black youth are also more likely to be exposed to violence and peer pressure.
- As a result, black youth are more likely to engage in crime than white youth.
- Girls are less likely to engage in crime than boys.
- However, girls who do engage in crime are more likely to be involved in serious offenses, such as violence and property crime.
Implications for Prevention and Intervention
This research has important implications for understanding the causes of crime and deviance and for developing effective prevention and intervention programs.For example, programs that focus on reducing childhood adversity and providing youth with opportunities for success can help to prevent them from engaging in crime.
Programs that provide support and guidance to youth during turning points in their lives can also help to keep them on a positive path.
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