Citation
Massoglia, Michael & Uggen, Christopher (2010). Settling down and aging out: Toward an interactionist theory of desistance and the transition to adulthood. American Journal of Sociology. vol. 116 (2) pp. 543-582 , PMCID: PMC3040006Abstract
Conceptions of adulthood have changed dramatically in recent decades. Despite such changes, however, the notion that young people will eventually “settle down” and desist from delinquent behaviors is remarkably persistent. This article unites criminology with classic work on age norms and role behavior to contend that people who persist in delinquency will be less likely to make timely adult transitions. The empirical analysis supports this proposition, with both arrest and self‐reported crime blocking the passage to adult status. The authors conclude that desisting from delinquency is an important part of the package of role behaviors that define adulthood.URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1086%2F653835Keyword(s)
Aging Transition to adulthoodReference Type
Journal ArticleJournal Title
American Journal of SociologyAuthor(s)
Massoglia, MichaelUggen, Christopher