Study Notes on Cohorts and Societal Impact on Crime

Introduction to Cohorts and Assistance

  • Discussion centers around societal influences and historical periods pertinent to the development of individuals away from crime.

Studies on Cohort Effects

  • Gluck Study

    • Conducted in the early 20th century in the Northeastern United States.

    • Focused on European American men.

    • Context: Many participants had gone to war, benefitting from relative affluence in work opportunities.

  • Giordano Study

    • Conducted in the mid-20th century in the United States.

    • Featured a significantly different labor market.

    • Reflected societal challenges regarding economic opportunities.

  • New Zealand Inquiry

    • Analyzed the royal inquiry into abuse in state care.

    • Focused on the experiences of Maori children particularly from the 1960s to the 1980s and beyond.

    • Noted detrimental effects leading to criminogenic outcomes for this cohort.

Current Observations in New Zealand

  • Trends Among Young Maori

    • Young Maori are currently entering the prison system at a lower rate compared to older cohorts.

    • This trend is attributed to research by former government statistician Lynn Cook.

    • Findings indicate that early state care and abuse severely impacted earlier age cohorts of Maori, causing exceptionally high imprisonment rates.

Historical Context of Criminogenic Effects

  • Mongrel Mob Formation

    • Emerged in the 1960s from young men who faced significant trauma after being in state care.

    • Connection to institutions such as the Puni boy's home and Kohetere home near Levin.

  • Hui Gatherings

    • Recent hui (meetings) were organized by the Mongrel Mob to discuss experiences of abuse while in state care.

Generational Change Within the Mongrel Mob

  • Aging Cohorts

    • Original members of the Mongrel Mob are aging and transitioning into roles such as grandfathers and grandmothers.

    • As they age, they shift their focus away from crime towards broader societal issues including:

    • Health care

    • Education

  • Challenges with Desistance

    • Members of the early Mongrel Mob cohorts encountered significant issues when attempting to establish stable lives.

    • Struggles compounded by:

    • Home child abuse

    • Other forms of disadvantage linked to colonization

    • Abuses suffered while in state care

    • The resultant trauma has contributed to ongoing criminal behaviors in these individuals.

Conclusion

  • Overall implications suggest a complex interplay between historical trauma, family dynamics, and societal structures that influence crime trends across different cohorts. Understanding these variables is essential for effective intervention and support strategies for affected communities.