This paper is going to compare and contrast the theories put forth from Terrie Moffitt (Dual Pathway Developmental Theory) and from Sampson & Laub (Age-Graded Developmental Theory). First we will look at what is similar in the two theories. They both are longitudinal studies, meaning that they take place with a fixed group of subjects who are monitored and data is gathered on for a specific time. The Dual Pathway Developmental Theory used data that was collected from New Zeland over the last forty-one years, and is still on going. The information collected in from both medical specialists and psychologists. The Age-Graded Developmental Theory is using data that was collected from the 1930’s through the 1960’s by Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck.
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First, we will be analyzing Terrie Moffitt’s Dual Pathway Development Theory. In this theory, there are two major divisions of offenders. The Adolescent-Limited (AL) offenders, who commit crimes at an early age and whose crimes are basically minor in offense. After reaching a “mature” age the offensive behavior desists and the person does not engage in criminal activities any further. It is believed that a vast majority of adolescents fall into this category of offender. The second group of offenders are called Life Course Persistent (LCP), because they begin committing criminal activities at a very early age and continue on this pathway throughout the majority of their adult life. The reason given for the difference in the two groups is believed to be from low IQ, hyperactivity, inattentiveness, negative emotionality, and low impulse control in the LCP group. These are caused from environmental factors combined with neurological/genetic …show more content…
This theory focuses on two pathways that individuals travel down, but instead of saying the reason for criminal activity is that we are “born” with it, they give a reason that says our environment and the interactions we have with those in our lives. They do not totally discount the fact that some individuals suffer from neuropsychological disadvantages, but these coupled with environmental and social aspects increase criminal behavior; not just these deficiencies alone cause it.
One major difference in the two theories is that this one identifies life processes that we move through that has a direct impact on our behavior. These are called “turning points” and occur when we get married and when we have a meaningful career. The reason why these turning points make such an impact is that they are a series of smaller events that collectively change who we are and how we interact socially with everyone around
First, we will be analyzing Terrie Moffitt’s Dual Pathway Development Theory. In this theory, there are two major divisions of offenders. The Adolescent-Limited (AL) offenders, who commit crimes at an early age and whose crimes are basically minor in offense. After reaching a “mature” age the offensive behavior desists and the person does not engage in criminal activities any further. It is believed that a vast majority of adolescents fall into this category of offender. The second group of offenders are called Life Course Persistent (LCP), because they begin committing criminal activities at a very early age and continue on this pathway throughout the majority of their adult life. The reason given for the difference in the two groups is believed to be from low IQ, hyperactivity, inattentiveness, negative emotionality, and low impulse control in the LCP group. These are caused from environmental factors combined with neurological/genetic …show more content…
This theory focuses on two pathways that individuals travel down, but instead of saying the reason for criminal activity is that we are “born” with it, they give a reason that says our environment and the interactions we have with those in our lives. They do not totally discount the fact that some individuals suffer from neuropsychological disadvantages, but these coupled with environmental and social aspects increase criminal behavior; not just these deficiencies alone cause it.
One major difference in the two theories is that this one identifies life processes that we move through that has a direct impact on our behavior. These are called “turning points” and occur when we get married and when we have a meaningful career. The reason why these turning points make such an impact is that they are a series of smaller events that collectively change who we are and how we interact socially with everyone around