Promoting Human Capability as an Alternative to Early Crime Prevention (From Integrating Crime Prevention Strategies: Propensity and Opportunity, P 141-168, 1995, Per-Olof H Wikstrom, Ronald V. Clarke, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-164757)

• NCJ Number: 164764
• Author(s): F Earls; M Carlson
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 28 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Sale Source: National Council for Crime Prevention
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: Sweden
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper focuses on human development from birth to 7 years of age and on the emergence of a range of experiences and skills that represent functional components of social reciprocity; the authors hypothesize that failure to develop social competence early in life increases the odds of deviant behavior later in life.

Abstract

Longitudinal and experimental research is characterized to highlight the current state of knowledge regarding human development and deviance. Two central questions are addressed: (1) why crime prediction is inaccurate for planning early prevention strategies; and (2) what early crime preventive interventions achieve. A crucial distinction is made between health promotion and disease prevention, and a framework is presented that encompasses principles of developmental neurobiology, social organization, and economic resources. These principles require synthesis and coordination in order to create more definitive strategies that promote human capability in general and social competence in particular. Directions for future research are noted that concern the link between early and late deprivation and antisocial behavior. 55 references, 5 notes, and 1 figure