1993/08/01 by JOHN H. LAUB, John H. Laub, Robert J. Sampson +1 · 970 citations
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Cohesion (chemistry) #Context (archaeology) #Crime Patterns and Interventions #Criminology #Developmental psychology #History #Life course approach #Political science #Psychology #Social Capital and Networks #Social capital #Social change #Social psychology #Social science #Sociology #Urban, Neighborhood, and Segregation Studies
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1745-9125.1993.tb01132.x
published in Criminology 31(3), 301-325 (Wiley)
openalex publication_date 1993/08/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
This article examines conceptual issues relating to continuity and change in crime over the life course. Building on past efforts, we first distinguish self‐selection from a cumulative, developmental process whereby delinquent behavior attenuates adult social bonds (e.g., labor force attachment, marital cohesion). We then conceptualize various types of change and argue that social capital and turning points are crucial in understanding processes of change in the adult life course. These concepts are illustrated by examining person‐based, life‐history data drawn from the Gluecks' longitudinal study of 1,000 men. Although adult crime is clearly connected to childhood behavior, these qualitative data suggest that both incremental and abrupt change are structured by changes in adult social bonds. We conclude with some hypotheses and implications for future research on subjective contingencies, opportunity structures, and chance encounters as potential turning points for change, especially as they interact with race, class location, and historical context.