TURNING POINTS IN THE LIFE COURSE: WHY CHANGE MATTERS TO THE STUDY OF CRIME*

TLDR

Building on past efforts, the study distinguishes self‑selection from a cumulative developmental process in which delinquent behavior erodes adult social bonds such as labor force attachment and marital cohesion. The article investigates how continuity and change in crime across the life course are shaped by social capital and turning points, proposing hypotheses on subjective contingencies, opportunity structures, and chance encounters, particularly in relation to race, class, and historical context. The authors develop a framework of types of change and turning points, illustrated with person‑based life‑history data from Gluecks' longitudinal study of 1,000 men. Qualitative data show that adult crime, linked to childhood behavior, is structured by incremental and abrupt changes driven by shifts in adult social bonds.

Abstract

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.