Developmental & Life-Course Theories Notes

Focus on theories that examine the development of criminal behavior over an individual's life.

Sheldon & Eleanor Glueck
- Harvard University, 1920s–1960s
- Published Unraveling Juvenile Delinquency in 1950
- Analyzed life histories of 500 boys sent to reform school in the 1930s
- Collected data at ages 14, 25, and 32, documenting various life experiences, including discrimination and rivalries.
Rob Sampson & John Laub
- Rediscovered Glueck's data during their research at Harvard
- Developed the Age-Graded Theory of Informal Social Control
- Suggested that desistance from crime is a process rather than an event.

This theory emphasizes the influence of social bonds on behavior and conformity, integrating ideas from social control theory.
Four Components:
1. Increased Social Bonds
- Stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers lead to more socially controlled behavior.
1. Social Control Mechanism
- Higher social bonds correlate with reduced deviance and delinquency.
1. Weak/Broken Social Bonds
- Can lead to increased likelihood of deviance/delinquency.
1. Life-Course Changes
- Informal social control explains shifts in criminal behavior over time.

Turning points are critical life changes that can influence an individual's social control and opportunities, including:
- Marriage
- Meaningful Employment
- Military Service
Impact of Turning Points:
- Lead to gradual or abrupt changes in behavior patterns.
- Relationship dynamics, family disruptions, and previous delinquency experiences affect future transitions to adulthood.
- Cumulative Disadvantage:
- Previous delinquency can create barriers to successfully transitioning into adulthood, impacting future social bonds such as marriage and career.

Emphasizes the family's role in exercising social control through:
- Relational Control (via attachment)
- Instrumental Control (via monitoring and supervision)
Suggests less emphasis on peer influence, although some researchers argue that peer relationships significantly affect behavior.
Crucial Factors Identified in the Theory:
- Low socioeconomic status of families
- Large family sizes and disruptions
- Harsh or erratic parental discipline
- Poor parental supervision and attachment issues contribute to delinquency.

Childhood (0-10):
- Formation of early attachment and social bonds.
Adolescence (10-18):
- Increased peer interaction and potential for delinquent influences.
Transition to Young Adulthood (17-25):
- Significant changes stemming from education and early employment.
Young Adulthood (25-32):
- Establishing long-term relationships and stable employment is crucial for reducing deviance.
Transition to Middle Adulthood (32-45):
- Life choices during this period can solidify pathways either towards or away from crime.