Throughout adolescence, Earl was often truant from school and frequently drank alcohol. Although he was never arrested, Earl shoplifted and stole money from his parents and friends. At age 20, Earl began working in a restaurant and was eventually promoted to sous chef. Earl is now in culinary school and has not engaged in delinquent behavior for years. According to life course theory, which factor was most important to Earl's desistance from crime?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to life course theory, the most important factor for desistance from criminal behavior is the acquisition of conventional roles and responsibilities such as getting a job, getting married, or starting a family. In Earl's case, his job at the restaurant may have provided him with structure, routine, and a sense of purpose, which could have contributed to his decision to stop engaging in delinquent behaviors. While education can also be a factor that contributes to desistance, it is not specified in the scenario that Earl's education led to his desistance from crime. The same goes for his consumption of alcohol and his home environment, which although may have impacted Earl's life, are not specified as factors leading to his desistance from criminal behavior.

Throughout Adolescence, Earl Was Often Truant from School and Frequently