Sociology & Criminology for a Changing World
Theories in this category—often referred to as developmental theories—share the assumption that crime is best understood as a processual phenomenon, not as isolated acts. They introduce the variable of time as a crucial dimension for understanding why people become involved in crime, why they persist, and why they desist. Developmental perspectives emphasize that criminal behavior
Control theories focus on explaining why people do not commit crime, in contrast to approaches that seek to explain why people offend. They begin with the assumption that most individuals are naturally motivated to pursue their own interests, which can include deviant or criminal acts, if left unchecked. The central question for control theorists is
Turning Point Theory, also known as the Age-Graded Life-Course Theory of Crime, was developed by Robert J. Sampson and John H. Laub. This influential approach in developmental criminology argues that criminal behaviour is not static over the life course. Instead, it can change in response to key life events or turning points that strengthen or
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