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😈criminology review

Sampson and Laub

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Sampson and Laub are criminologists known for their work on life-course criminology, particularly their theories regarding the development of criminal behavior over an individual's lifetime. They proposed that there are two distinct pathways to offending: life-course persistent offenders, who engage in criminal activity consistently from childhood into adulthood, and adolescence-limited offenders, who only commit crimes during their teenage years. Their research emphasizes the impact of social bonds and life events on criminal behavior, linking personal development with societal influences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Sampson and Laub's research showed that life-course persistent offenders typically display early signs of behavioral problems, often linked to family issues and peer influences.
  2. Adolescence-limited offenders tend to commit crimes as a way to navigate social status and peer relationships but often desist from crime as they transition into adulthood.
  3. Their study emphasizes that turning points in life, such as marriage or stable employment, can significantly alter an individual's path away from crime.
  4. They argue that understanding the interaction between individual choices and external social factors is crucial for effective crime prevention strategies.
  5. Their work has shifted the focus from purely biological or psychological explanations for crime to include a greater emphasis on social context and timing.

Review Questions

  • How do Sampson and Laub differentiate between life-course persistent offenders and adolescence-limited offenders?
    • Sampson and Laub differentiate between life-course persistent offenders, who begin engaging in criminal behavior early in life and continue into adulthood, and adolescence-limited offenders, who typically commit crimes only during their teenage years. Life-course persistent offenders are often shaped by various risk factors such as family dysfunction and peer associations from an early age. In contrast, adolescence-limited offenders may resort to delinquency primarily for social reasons but usually cease their criminal activities as they mature.
  • Discuss the significance of turning points in the life-course perspective as proposed by Sampson and Laub.
    • Turning points play a crucial role in the life-course perspective put forth by Sampson and Laub. These turning points, such as getting married or securing stable employment, can serve as critical moments that steer individuals away from a trajectory of criminal behavior. The presence of strong social bonds formed during these turning points can help reshape an individual's identity and priorities, thus facilitating desistance from crime. This suggests that interventions aimed at fostering positive relationships can be vital for reducing recidivism.
  • Evaluate the implications of Sampson and Laub's findings on crime prevention strategies and policies.
    • Sampson and Laub's findings have significant implications for crime prevention strategies and policies by highlighting the importance of addressing social influences throughout a person's life. Their research suggests that efforts to strengthen social bonds—such as family support, educational opportunities, and community engagement—can reduce the likelihood of both life-course persistent and adolescence-limited offending. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of timely interventions during critical life events can help policymakers design programs that effectively redirect individuals away from crime, ultimately fostering safer communities.