Stability and Change in Crime Over the Life Course: A Strain Theory Explanation (From Developmental Theories of Crime and Delinquency, P 101-132, 1997, Terence P Thornberry, ed. -- See NCJ- 167734)

• NCJ Number: 167737
• Author(s): R Agnew
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 32 pages
• Sale Source: Transaction Publishers
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Advances in Criminological Theory, Volume Seven

Annotation

This paper argues that some of the new strain theories have much to say about the relationship between age and crime and that they should be part of any developmental theory of crime.

Abstract

In particular, strain theories point to new sources of stability and change in crime over the life course. Agnew's General Strain Theory (GST) is the most comprehensive social-psychological strain theory, and it has received preliminary empirical support. This theory is used to explain crime trends over time within individuals and to demonstrate two fundamental facts about crime: (1) there is a small group of offenders who engage in crime and other antisocial behavior at a high rate over their life course; and (2) there is a larger group of individuals whose criminal behavior peaks in mid to late adolescence and declines rapidly thereafter. An overview of GST is presented, and the stability of antisocial behavior is discussed in terms of control and social learning explanations. The social environment of adolescents is examined in relation to their tendencies to view the environment as aversive and to cope with diversity through delinquency. 108 references and 6 notes