Questions and Answers
What does life course theory focus on?
What are the events called that motivate an individual to desist from crimes?
Turning points
Turning points are only related to life events such as marriage and employment.
False
What is believed to result from increased social control following turning points?
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Which of the following describes how turning points affect an individual's lifestyle?
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What process occurs when an individual devotes time to new relationships or jobs, leading them to weigh the costs and benefits of criminal behavior?
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Why do some individuals become persistent offenders despite experiencing turning points?
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According to routine activity theory, what lifestyle increases the probability of becoming a victim of crime?
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Both life course theory and routine activity theory support the idea that structured lifestyles can reduce criminal activities.
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Study Notes
Life Course Theory
- Focuses on individual motivations for criminal behavior throughout their life, emphasizing changing circumstances.
- Differentiates from traditional criminological theories by emphasizing why individuals desist from crime rather than why they initially engage in it.
- A developmental perspective that considers various life factors affecting criminal behavior over time.
Factors Leading to Desistance of Crime
- Strong social bonds are linked to reduced delinquent behavior.
- Life events termed "turning points" motivate individuals to lead normal lives away from crime.
- Desistance is described in a four-stage process influenced by life experiences.
Situational or Structural Change
- Turning points include significant life changes such as marriage or stable employment.
- These changes foster social conformity, leading to lower crime rates among married individuals or those with secure jobs.
Increased Social Control
- Turning points enhance social control through increased supervision and support.
- Marriage creates direct and indirect opportunities for oversight, deterring criminal behavior.
- A stable job connects individuals with socially normative peers, promoting adherence to societal expectations.
Routine Structured Lifestyle
- Engagement in personal and professional commitments limits interactions with delinquent peers.
- Positive relationships and work routines create less time for criminal influences, contributing to lower rates of criminal activity.
Trading Off between Costs and Benefits
- Individuals evaluate the benefits of stable, non-criminal relationships against the costs of pursuing a criminal lifestyle.
- The decision to desist from crime is influenced by personal circumstances and individual choices.
- While many might have stable jobs or good marriages, desistance is not guaranteed, and individuals still choose their paths.
Marginality of Life Course Theory
- Quality of turning points plays a critical role; dysfunctional relationships or unsupportive jobs can lead to persistent offending.
- Individuals lacking stable lives often fail to develop structured routines, increasing their odds of engaging in criminal behaviors through peer influences.
- A chaotic lifestyle leads to connections with others in similar predicaments, perpetuating criminal behavior.
Relationship with Routine Activity Theory
- Routine activity theory posits that those with fewer responsibilities are more vulnerable to crime and victimization.
- Unstructured lifestyles increase the likelihood of being targets for criminal activities.
- Life course theory aligns with routine activity theory, asserting that structured lifestyles reduce opportunities for crime by limiting social interactions with delinquent peers.
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Description
Explore key concepts within Life Course Theory in criminology through our flashcards. This quiz will help you understand the motivations behind criminal behavior and the evolution of criminological theories. Perfect for students studying criminology or related fields.
