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Risk Factors of Early Adolescence in the Criminal Career of Polish Offenders in the Light of Life Course Theory

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  • Krzysztof Pękala

    (Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 90-131 Lodz, Poland)

  • Andrzej Kacprzak

    (Department of Applied Sociology and Social Work, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland)

  • Anna Pękala-Wojciechowska

    (Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland)

  • Piotr Chomczyński

    (Department of Sociology of Organization and Management, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland)

  • Michał Olszewski

    (Department of Management and Logistics in Healthcare, Medical University of Lodz, 90-131 Lodz, Poland)

  • Michał Marczak

    (Department of Management and Logistics in Healthcare, Medical University of Lodz, 90-131 Lodz, Poland)

  • Remigiusz Kozłowski

    (Center of Security Technologies in Logistics, Faculty of Management, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland)

  • Dariusz Timler

    (Department of Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-212 Lodz, Poland)

  • Łukasz Zakonnik

    (Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-214 Lodz, Poland)

  • Kamila Sienkiewicz

    (Department of Management and Logistics in Healthcare, Medical University of Lodz, 90-131 Lodz, Poland)

  • Elżbieta Kozłowska

    (Department of Microbiology and Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland)

  • Paweł Rasmus

    (Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 90-131 Lodz, Poland)

Abstract

Life course theory (LCT) diagnoses childhood and adolescent factors that determine an individual’s involvement in crime in the future. Farrington lists eight key correlates identified by empirical analyses of criminal careers. In this paper, we seek to discuss the inconsistencies with LCT that we observed in our three empirical studies of the criminal careers of Polish offenders. During 12 years of qualitative research, we conducted direct observations and in-depth interviews in juvenile correction institutions (21) and prisons (8) across the country. We gained access to incarcerated (102) and released (30) juvenile offenders, as well as to incarcerated (68) and released (28) adult offenders. We also conducted in-depth interviews (92) with experts working with young and adult offenders. We similarly accessed some offenders’ criminal records and psychological opinions. Our study revealed the strong presence of family and neighborhood influences on early criminality. Contrary to LCT assumptions, state-dependent institutions (military, work, family) were not strong enough determinants of delinquency. Polish offenders generally experience criminal onset later than LCT-oriented criminologists indicate. Based on our data, we also agree with the thesis that the onset of crime should be discussed as different age-related periods rather than just a general onset.

Suggested Citation

  • Krzysztof Pękala & Andrzej Kacprzak & Anna Pękala-Wojciechowska & Piotr Chomczyński & Michał Olszewski & Michał Marczak & Remigiusz Kozłowski & Dariusz Timler & Łukasz Zakonnik & Kamila Sienkiewicz & , 2021. "Risk Factors of Early Adolescence in the Criminal Career of Polish Offenders in the Light of Life Course Theory," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6583-:d:577555
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lance Lochner & Enrico Moretti, 2004. "The Effect of Education on Crime: Evidence from Prison Inmates, Arrests, and Self-Reports," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 94(1), pages 155-189, March.
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