Criminals in the Making: Criminality across the Life Course

Abstract

Introduction 1. Life Course Criminology Life Course Criminology Origins of Life Course Criminology The Criminal Career Approach What Is Life Course Criminology? Concepts and Issues in Life Course Criminology Life Course Theories of Criminal Behavior Theories of Stability and Change Developmental Trajectories and Typologies of Offenders Life Course Criminality 2. The Stability of Criminal and Analogous Behavior What Do We Mean by the Stability of Criminal Behavior? How Is the Stability of Criminal Behavior Measured? Issues Related to the Measurement of Stability Empirical Findings on Stability Review of the Stability of Problem Behavior Conclusion 3. Continuity in Antisocial Potential Continuity Heterotypic, Homotypic, and Cumulative Continuity State Dependence and Population Heterogeneity Sources of Continuity Genetic Continuity Person-Environment Interactions Conclusion 4. Genetics and Crime Early Biological Explanations Biological Rejection The New Study of Biology and Behavior The Behavioral Genetic Study of Criminality Conclusion 5. Introduction to Brain Structure and Basic Functions: Part I: The Hindbrain, Midbrain, and Limbic Structures in the Development of Criminality Brain Development and Structure Conclusion 6. Introduction to Brain Structure and Basic Functions: Part II: Forebrain Formation, Trauma, and Criminal Behavior Forebrain: Cortical Region Conclusion 7. Concepts and Issues in Neuropsychological Functioning Basic Structure and Functioning of Our Nervous System Nervous System Functioning and Criminality Hormones and Their Effect on Physiology and Behavior Integrating Concepts of Physiology and Environment Conclusion 8. Gender Differences in Brain Processes and Laterality Gender Differences in Hemispheric Lateralization The Influence of Androgens (Male Hormones) A Developmental Theory for Gender Differences in Criminality Conclusion 9. Individuals and Their Social World There Is Variation Left Unexplained by Genetic Influences Brain Plasticity Is Environmentally Influenced The Correlation and Interaction Between Genes and the Environment Developmental Risk Factors Effects of Alchohol and Drugs on Fetal Development Prenatal Exposure to Nicotine Biosocial Issues in Development Activity of Nervous System: Sensation Seeking Deficits in Neuropsychological Functioning Inidividuals in Their Environment 10. Prepubescence: Infancy and Childhood What Do We Mean by Problem Behavior in Infancy and Childhood? The Prevalence and Frequency of Problem Behavior in Infancy and Childhood Continuity in Problem Behaviors Over Time 11. Postpubescence: Adolescence and Adulthood What Is Adolescence, and Why Did We Include Adulthood? Sexual Maturation and Human Development The Effects of Sexual Maturation Adolescent Development Adult Criminals 12. Policy Recommendations Contextual Factors Prior to Birth At Birth After Birth Child Development Adolescence Adulthood Caveats Closing Thoughts Index About the Authors