Abstract

Two topical questions in criminology are whether juveniles show a progression from less to more serious forms of delinquency and whether specialization in delinquent activities takes place over time. In order to investigate these questions, a self-reported questionnaire was administered to a sample of representative adolescents and to a sample of known delinquents; the questionnaire was administered twice at a two year interval, and transition matrices were constructed using an index of predictability (RIOC). The matrices documented instances of stability, regression, and progression in delinquency. Both samples showed a moderate stability, which varied by offense category. Over time, delinquency tended either to remain stable or to progress, with a lesser tendency to deescalate or regress. Escalation from minor to more serious offenses was more typical for the adolescent than for the delinquent sample, while the latter appeared to move over time to more diverse forms of offending. It was more common in the delinquent sample for individuals to continue in the same pattern of offending. Different paths in delinquency over time were apparent in both samples.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.