1. Developmental Theory Life Course Theories
View criminality as a dynamic PROCESS.
Look at the ONSET, CONTINUATION & TERMINATION of criminal behavior.

2. Developmental Theory
Consider SOCIAL experiences as well as INDIVIDUAL characteristics.

3. Developmental Theory
Look at DEVELOPMENTAL factors including BIOLOGICAL, SOCIAL, & PSYCHOLOGICAL.

4. Developmental Theory
Rolf Loeber & Marc Le Blanc (1990) It is important to study the development of a criminal career. (Beginning, middle & end)

5. Developmental Theory
Latent Trait Theory (also called Propensity Theory) Human Behavior is controlled by a MASTER TRAIT present at birth or shortly thereafter.

6. Developmental Theory External forces such as interpersonal
Latent Trait Theory – cont.
External forces such as interpersonal
Interactions & criminal opportunity
interact with the MASTER TRAIT to
direct criminal behavior.

7. Developmental Theory People DO NOT change their FUNDAMENTAL NATURE.
Latent Trait Theory – cont.
People DO NOT change their
FUNDAMENTAL NATURE.

8. Developmental Theory
Problem Behavior Syndrome - (PBS) Wraparound Approach Criminality should be viewed as one of MANY SOCIAL PROBLEMS faced by at risk youth.

9. Developmental Theory Interrelated behaviors may include:
Problem Behavior Syndrome - (PBS) Cont.
Interrelated behaviors may include:
Family Dysfunction
Sexual & Physical abuse
Sexual Promiscuity
Early Pregnancy
School Problems
Suicide
Unemployment

10. Developmental Theory 1. Authority Conflict Pathway
Pathways to Crime (Rolf Loeber-1998)
1. Authority Conflict Pathway
(Begins early with stubborn
behavior & defiance)

11. Developmental Theory 2. Covert Pathway
Pathways to Crime (Rolf Loeber-1998) Cont.
2. Covert Pathway
Begins with “underhanded” behavior (lying or shoplifting.)
Leads to property damage (fire setting & theft)

12. Developmental Theory 3. Overt Pathway Begins with minor aggression &
Pathways to Crime (Rolf Loeber-1998) Cont.
3. Overt Pathway
Begins with minor aggression &
leads to physical fighting & violent
crime.

13. Developmental Theory
SPECIALIZATION
Criminals who specialize by limiting their crimes in clusters.
(EX. - Theft offenses like burglary or larceny or Violent offenses like assault & rape)

14. Developmental Theory
GENERALIZATION Criminals who commit a variety of different kinds of crime.

15. Developmental Theory
AGE Life Course Theories Assume that the seeds of criminality are planted early. Deviance is evidenced in Pre School.

16. Developmental Theory Begins with lying, stealing & cruelty to animals.
AGE - Cont.
Begins with lying, stealing & cruelty to animals.
The EARLIER the onset, the LONGER the duration.

17. Developmental Theory Adolescent Limited Offenders
Terrie Moffitt (1993)
Adolescent Limited Offenders
Typical Teenager Rebellion
Minor scrapes with the law
Reduce their offending by age 18

18. Developmental Theory Life Course Persisters
Terrie Moffitt - Cont.
Life Course Persisters
Begin offending early & continues into adult life.
Family dysfunction & severe neurological problems present.

19. Developmental Theory Maternal drug abuse, poor nutrition,
Terrie Moffitt
Life Couse Persisters – Cont.
Maternal drug abuse, poor nutrition,
or exposure to toxic agents like lead
are typical.

20. Developmental Theory
LIFE COURSE THEORY combines: Personal Factors Social Factors Socialization Factors Cognitive Factors Situational Factors

21. Developmental Theory Life Couse Theories are INTEGRATED Theories.
They weave SOCIAL & INDIVIDUAL variables into a chain to explain criminal behavior.
They look at the TRAJECTORY of criminality & why & how it changes over a LIFETIME.

22. Developmental Theory
Robert Sampson & John Laub (1993) TURNING POINTS Life events that alter the development of a criminal career. Ex. Marriage & Career

23. Developmental Theory
Robert Sampson & John Laub (1993) Cont.
SOCIAL CAPITAL
Positive relations with individuals & institutions that are life sustaining.
A good marriage
Joining the military
A career

24. Developmental Theory
Rowe, Osgood & Nicewander (1990)
LATENT TRAIT THEORY
Latent traits explain the FLOW of crime over the life cycle.

25. Developmental Theory
Latent Trait Theory - Cont. People have a personal attribute or characteristic that controls their inclination to commit a crime. Present at birth or shortly thereafter.

26. Developmental Theory Latent traits include: Defective intelligence
Latent Trait Theory - Cont.
Latent traits include:
Defective intelligence
Damaged or impulsive personality
Brain function impairment
Environmental influences on the brain
(drugs, chemicals, injuries)

27. Developmental Theory
Latent Trait Theory - Cont.
Regardless of gender or environment, those who have one of these traits are AT RISK of becoming criminals.
Those who don’t are at LOWER RISK.

28. Developmental Theory
GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME (GTC)
Michael Gottfredson & Travis Hirschi (1990)
Considers the offender & the criminal act separately.
Criminal acts occur when offenders perceive them to be advantageous.

29. Developmental Theory Belief that crime is a rational choice.
GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME (GTC)
Belief that crime is a rational choice.
Given the OPPORTUNITY crime prone people are more likely to commit crimes.

30. Developmental Theory The propensity to commit crimes is
GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME (GTC)
The propensity to commit crimes is
stable throughout ones life –
only OPPORTUNITY changes.

31. Developmental Theory Adds a BIO SOCIAL element to crime.
GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME (GTC)
Adds a BIO SOCIAL element to crime.
Poor parenting & lack of socialization affect NEURAL pathways.
The brain establishes a pattern of electrochemical activation that remains for LIFE.

32. Developmental Theory Crime & LOW SELF-CONTROL are linked.
GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME (GTC)
Crime & LOW SELF-CONTROL are linked.
People with low self control are impulsive, risk takers, shortsighted & insensitive to others.
Males have less self control – thus higher crime rate.

33. Developmental Theory
GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME (GTC)
Poor self control is caused by inadequate PARENTING.
Begins early in life & is stable throughout adulthood.
Weak bonds with society.

34. Developmental Theory
Developmental Theory has resulted in a MULTI – SYSTEMIC treatment approach. Personal, social, education, family services, etc. are ALL provided. Wraparound Concept