Abstract
This article explores the complexities of the interplay between structural and agentic changes in 21 young offenders' lives as they start to stop offending. The young people's ability to desist from crime was dependent upon their engagement with a 'hook for change', their development of prosocial relationships and 'knifing off' of elements of their offending past, the extent of their identity change, and their confidence about desistance. Desistance was less likely in the absence of a 'hook' and where offenders were running a 'condemnation script'. The study challenges previous research that argues that desistance from crime in adolescence is unlikely.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3-17 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Youth Justice |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 20 Nov 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 2018 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Starting to Stop: Young Offenders' Desistance from Crime'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Profiles
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Grainne McMahon
- Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences - Senior Lecturer
- School of Human and Health Sciences
- Centre for Citizenship, Conflict, Identity and Diversity - Core Member
- Just Futures Centre - Associate Member
Person: Academic