Life Course Theories theories that identify factors affecting the start, duration, nature, and end of criminal behavior over the life of an offender Latent Trait Theories theoretical views that criminal behavior is controlled by a master trait, present at birth or soon after, that remains stable and unchanging throughout a person's lifetime
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Life course theories argue that events occurring over the life course influence criminal choices and that the cause of crime constantly changes as people mature. At first, the nuclear family influences behavior; during adolescence, the peer group dominates; in adulthood, marriage and career are critical.
The general theory of crime is a developmental theory that modifies social control theory by integrating concepts from the biosocial, psychological, routine activities, and rational choice theories. If the propensity to commit crime does not change, what do Hirschi and Gottfredson claim explains the fluctuations in acts of criminal behavior?
This underlying trait explains the continuity of offending because, once present, it remains with a person throughout his or her life.
In 1990, Rowe, Osgood, and Nicewander proposed the concept of latent traits to explain the flow of crime over the life cycle. When do these traits develop? What is the explanation provided by latent trait theorists to describe the ageing-out process of criminal behavior?
Whereas the latent trait approach views individual differences in antisocial behavior as relatively stable from childhood through the adult years, the life-course perspective argues that increases in informal social control reduce the probability that childhood antisocial tendencies will escalate into more severe forms ...
In general, the accepted notion is that the factors occurring at a younger stage in life are predominately influential on crime risk than later life experiences. As a result of this idea, the life-course theory works closely with developmental theories to reinforce explanations of crime occurrences.
Latent trait theories hold that some underlying condition present at birth or soon after controls behavior. Suspect traits include low IQ, impulsivity, and personality structure. This underlying trait explains the continuity of offending because, once present, it remains with a person throughout his or her life.
What is the general theory of crime, and how does it relate to other crime theories? The general theory of crime is a developmental theory that modifies social control theory by integrating concepts from the biosocial, psychological, routine activities, and rational choice theories.
The life course perspective or life course theory (LCT) is a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the mental, physical and social health of individuals, which incorporates both life span and life stage concepts that determine the health trajectory.
Life course theory argues that specific events in one's life motivate one to desist from crimes, and this eventually prompts an individual to lead a normal life. These events are called turning points.
Trait theories appear more suited for explaining the causes of violent crime, whereas choice theories are more appropriate to property crimes or economic crimes. Trait theories posit that crime is caused by certain traits, biological or psychological, among individuals which predispose them to crime.
What is the explanation provided by latent trait theorists to describe the ageing-out process of criminal behavior? As people get older, their propensity for criminal behavior doesn't diminish, but the opportunity to commit crimes does.
STUDY. Conflict theory. the view that human behavior is shaped by interpersonal conflict and that those who maintain social power will use it to further their own ends. Rational choice theory.
1. Theories are useful tools that help us to understand and explain the world around us. In criminology, they help us to understand the workings of the criminal justice system and the actors in the system.
Latent trait theories hold that some underlying condition present at birth or soon after controls behavior. Suspect traits include low IQ, impulsivity, and personality structure. This underlying trait explains the continuity of offending because, once present, it remains with a person throughout his or her life. Latent trait theories developed by Gottfredson, Hirschi, Wilson, and Hernstein integrate choice theory concepts; people with latent traits choose crime over non-crime and the opportunity for crime mediates their choice. Developmental theories look at multiple factors derived from a number of different structural and process theories. Elliott's integrated theory holds that social position controls life events and that strain leads to weakened bonds. Life course theories argue that events occurring over the life course influence criminal choices and that the cause of crime constantly changes as people mature. At first, the nuclear family influences behavior; during adolescence, the peer group dominates; in adulthood, marriage and career are critical. Important life course theories have been formulated by Thornberry, Farrington, and Sampson. 143 notes, 4 tables, 7 figures, and 6 photographs
Elliott's integrated theory holds that social position controls life events and that strain leads to weakened bonds. Life course theories argue that events occurring over the life course influence criminal choices and that the cause of crime constantly changes as people mature.