The Development of Delinquency

Abstract

One of the most intriguing issues confronting criminology today is that of continuity and change in delinquent careers. Prior research has demonstrated substantial levels of continuity in antisocial behavior across the life course. Indeed, Lee Robins (1978) has commented that: “… adult antisocial behavior virtually requires childhood antisocial behavior…” (p. 611). If the empirical story ended there, the theoretical task of criminological theory would be much less challenging and interesting than it in fact is. But the story does not end there. For in addition to continuity, there is substantial change in delinquent careers. That is, many of-fenders, even those with an early onset of antisocial behavior, do not persist in their offending; hence, the second part of what has come to be called Robins’ (1978) paradox: “… yet most antisocial children do not become antisocial adults” (p. 611). How can we account for this twin observation: that childhood antisocial behavior is almost a prerequisite for later antisocial behavior, yet most children who are antisocial outgrow that behavior, avoiding later involvement in delinquency and crime?