Criminological Theory and Elder Abuse Research—Fruitful Relationship or Worlds Apart?

Abstract

By definition, elder abuse research touches upon topics also covered by criminological theories. However, up until now, attempts to apply criminological theories to this field of research are scarce and the potential of criminological theory to enhance the understanding of elder abuse phenomena appears underdeveloped. The paper explores potentials and limitations of applying both theories and their related concepts from criminology to elder abuse. Financial elder abuse and abuse and neglect in domestic caregiving are chosen as types of offences to discuss the usefulness of criminological theory. A special focus is on Routine Activity Theory (RAT). While basic concepts of RAT (“suitable target”, “absence of capable guardians”) are directly applicable to elder abuse, motivational components have to be added or strengthened to make RAT a powerful framework to understand elder abuse. This is in concordance with general criticisms of RAT focussing upon the mechanisms through which at the intersection of individual and environment, individuals are moved to commit criminal or abusive acts. Wikstrom’s Situational Action Theory of Crime Causation is discussed with regard to its potential of understanding and explaining incidents of elder abuse and neglect.