A life-course approach to the study of victimization and offending behaviors

Citation

Daigle, Leah E.; Beaver, Kevin M.; & Hartman, Jennifer L. (2008). A life-course approach to the study of victimization and offending behaviors. Victims and Offenders. vol. 3 (4) pp. 365-390

Abstract

Research generated from the life-course perspective has consistently documented a curvilinear relationship between age and offending, yet very little research has employed a life-course approach to investigate the relationship between age and victimization over time. We address this gap in the literature by using data from three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Specifically, based on Sampson and Laub's (1993) contention that the presence of adult social bonds decreases the likelihood of criminal activity in adulthood, we examine whether two adult social bonds—marriage and employment—are associated with desistance from delinquent involvement and whether these same bonds are associated with a reduction in the odds of victimization. The theoretical and policy implications of this research are discussed.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15564880802338500

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Victims and Offenders

Author(s)

Daigle, Leah E.
Beaver, Kevin M.
Hartman, Jennifer L.

Year Published

2008

Volume Number

3

Issue Number

4

Pages

365-390

ISSN/ISBN

1556-4886

DOI

10.1080/15564880802338500

Reference ID

820