NCJ Number
89807
Date Published
1980
Length
22 pages
Annotation
A survey of crime causation theories developed by sociologists, psychologists, and economists indicates that all theories appear to only partially explain the level and type of criminal activity that an individual undertakes.
Abstract
The study combined the insights of theoretical and empirical work to develop an eclectic model of the level and type of postrelease criminal activity. This model suggests that the level and type of criminal activity will depend on family experiences as a child, genetic and physiological factors, and peer group norms. Other factors are emotional, social, and psychological stability; success at legal pursuits; age, sex, and race; type of release; type and quality of correctional programs; length of time served before release; criminal justice system effectiveness; and the immediate environment. Tables and 21 references are included.