Risky Lifestyles, Routine Activities, and the General Theory of Crime

• NCJ Number: 170412
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1997) Pages: 265-294
• Author(s): D R Forde; L W Kennedy
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 30 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study reassesses the general theory of crime proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi and highlights the importance of proximate causes, including routine conflict, in explaining the propensity toward violence.

Abstract

Gottfredson's and Hirschi's general theory of crime proposes that low self-control is a cause of criminal behavior. Several recent studies that show mixed support test this theory for understanding crime and imprudent behavior. In the current study, the authors drew from the insights provided by routine-activities theory to operationalize risky behavior. Routine-activities theory holds that persons who routinely engage in risky behaviors and lifestyles are the most likely to become involved in interpersonal conflicts and violence because of the increased opportunities for such encounters. The study used a two-stage sampling frame to obtain a probability sample of households from two Canadian Provinces and a predesignated selection of an adult respondent in each household to ensure an equal representation of male and female participants. The questionnaire administered to the respondents measured self-control; routine activities/risky lifestyles; routine conflict; imprudent behavior; and crime risk. A number of demographic and socioeconomic measures were used as control variables. Data analyses show that elements of low self- control do not directly affect criminal behavior, although measures of self-control have strong effects on imprudent behavior. These effects, in turn, relate to offending. The authors enhance the model through the addition of measures of proximate causes, which indicate that in order to be criminal, one needs both the opportunity and the predisposition for crime. These opportunities and predispositions are strongly affected by the individual's degree of social control. The findings suggest a stronger focus on lifestyles as they increase opportunities for crime and victimization. 2 tables, 3 figures, and 33 references