Families and Crime
Module 12 provides an opportunity to examine the influence of families on antisocial behavior and crime. Research and theory from various disciplines, e.g., criminology, sociology, and psychology, is used to strengthen the students understanding of the link between parenting and delinquency. This chapter is concerned with the relationship among the family and child, adolescent, and adult antisocial behavior. In addition, attention is given to a review of the literature associated with the family structure and delinquency. Finally, the module considers the impact of poverty and neighborhood conditions on adolescent delinquency.
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you should be able to:
- identify attributes of an at-risk child
- discuss the relationship among family and child, adolescent, and adult antisocial behavior.
- describe the connection between parental behavior and delinquency.
- define the two dimensions of parenting; that is, responsiveness and demandingness.
- explain how corporal punishment can increase the likelihood of maladaptive behavior.
- discuss the connection between family structure as an at-risk factor for child behavior.
Summary
The relationship between family and crime is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been widely studied in various fields, including criminology, sociology, and psychology. While it’s essential to recognize that not all individuals from troubled or dysfunctional families become involved in criminal activities, research suggests that family dynamics and upbringing can play a significant role in shaping an individual’s propensity for criminal behavior.
Research indicates that children raised in stable, two-parent households tend to have lower involvement in criminal activities compared to those raised in single-parent or unstable family structures. A stable family environment with supportive and involved parents can provide emotional security, positive role models, and a sense of belonging, reducing the likelihood of criminal behavior.
Parents have a crucial role in shaping their children’s values, attitudes, and behaviors. If parents’ model pro-social behavior, communicate clearly, and set appropriate boundaries, children are more likely to develop prosocial behavior and avoid engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, neglectful, abusive, or criminal parents may increase the risk of their children adopting similar behaviors.
Adequate parental supervision and monitoring of children’s activities are essential for reducing the chances of involvement in criminal behavior. Lack of supervision can lead to increased exposure to risky situations and criminal peers, increasing the likelihood of criminal engagement.
Different parenting styles can have varying impacts on a child’s propensity for criminal behavior. Authoritative parenting, characterized by warmth, support, and consistent discipline, tends to be associated with lower levels of delinquency. On the other hand, authoritarian, permissive, or neglectful parenting may increase the risk of criminal involvement.
Siblings can also influence each other’s behavior, including involvement in criminal activities. If older siblings engage in criminal behavior or associate with delinquent peers, younger siblings might be more likely to follow suit.
Family socioeconomic status can influence crime indirectly by affecting access to resources, educational opportunities, and neighborhood environments. Low-income families may face more challenges in providing a supportive and nurturing environment for their children, potentially increasing the risk of criminal involvement.
Some studies suggest that criminal behavior can be passed down through generations due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and learned factors. Children growing up in families with a history of criminality may be exposed to deviant values and attitudes from an early age.
It’s crucial to recognize that the relationship between family and crime is not deterministic, and many other factors, such as peer influence, community characteristics, and individual traits, also contribute to criminal behavior. Nonetheless, addressing family-related risk factors and promoting positive family dynamics can significantly contribute to reducing the likelihood of criminal involvement among individuals. Early intervention and support for at-risk families may also be crucial in breaking the cycle of crime across generations.
Key Takeaways
The interconnection between family dynamics and crime is intricate, drawing insights from criminology, sociology, and psychology.
Children from stable, two-parent households are generally less likely to be involved in crime compared to those from single-parent or unstable environments.
The role of parents is pivotal in shaping a child’s values and behaviors. Prosocial behavior modeled by parents, clear communication, and set boundaries can significantly decrease a child’s propensity for crime.
Adequate monitoring and supervision by parents are crucial for minimizing a child’s involvement in criminal activities. Insufficient supervision can expose children to risky situations and delinquent peers.
Different parenting styles affect a child’s likelihood of delinquency. Authoritative parenting, which includes warmth, support, and consistent discipline, is linked to lower delinquency rates.
The behavior of siblings, especially older ones involved in crime or with delinquent peers, can influence younger siblings to engage in similar behaviors.
The socioeconomic status of a family can indirectly impacts crime rates by influencing access to resources, educational opportunities, and the quality of neighborhood environments.
While family is a significant factor, other influences like peers, community, and individual traits also play crucial roles in criminal behavior.
Key Terms/Concepts
At-Risk
Authoritarian Parents
Authoritative
Child Maltreatment
Coercion model of antisocial behavior
Common Couple Violence
Corporal Punishment
Demandingness
Intimate Partner Violence
Neglectful/Rejecting Parents
Permissive Parents
Responsiveness
Social Deviance
Spouse Abuse or Battering
Modern Application
“Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap” by Carrie James
A book that explores the complex relationship between young people, digital media, and ethical decision-making. Published in 2014, James, a researcher at Harvard University’s Project Zero, delves into the ways in which digital technologies shape the moral and ethical landscapes of young users.
The book is based on extensive research conducted with teenagers, ages 12 to 19, from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in the United States. Through interviews, surveys, and observations, James investigates how young people navigate the ethical challenges presented by digital media platforms, including social networking sites, online gaming, and digital communication tools.
James examines the ethical dilemmas that arise in online environments, such as cyberbullying, privacy concerns, digital plagiarism, and online identity construction. She explores how young people perceive and negotiate these challenges within their peer groups and broader social contexts.
The Ethics Gap: The concept of the “ethics gap” refers to the disparity between young people’s ethical values and their behaviors in digital spaces. James argues that while many adolescents possess a strong sense of right and wrong offline, they may struggle to apply these ethical principles consistently online due to the unique affordances and norms of digital environments.
The book emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and citizenship education in preparing young people to navigate the ethical complexities of the digital age. James advocates for a holistic approach that goes beyond technical skills to foster critical thinking, empathy, and responsible decision-making in online interactions.
Parental and Educational Roles: “Disconnected” also addresses the roles of parents, educators, and policymakers in supporting young people’s ethical development in digital spaces. James highlights the need for adults to engage in open dialogue with youth about digital ethics, provide guidance on ethical decision-making, and advocate for policies that promote online safety and responsibility.
Overall, “Disconnected” offers a nuanced examination of the ethical challenges and opportunities presented by digital media for today’s youth. It encourages readers to reflect on the ways in which technology shapes moral reasoning and calls for collective action to cultivate a more ethical digital culture.
Read, Review, Watch and Listen
1. Read Chapter 9: Families and Crime by Leslie Gordon Simons, University of Georgia
2. Review and Watch Parents Should Not Be Spanking Their Kids, and Here’s Why (Parents by Nicole Harris, November 2022).
a. For an overview of the related discussion and related literature, refer to pp. 70-71 of Chapter 9.
b. Corporal punishment refers to the use of physical force, such as spanking or hitting, to discipline or correct a child’s behavior.
c. Many child development experts, pediatric associations, and human rights organizations strongly advise against using corporal punishment. Research has shown that it can have negative effects on a child’s emotional and psychological well-being, leading to increased aggression, antisocial behavior, and mental health problems. It may also damage the parent-child relationship and erode trust between the child and their parents.
d. Instead, experts recommend positive discipline methods that focus on teaching and guiding children through age-appropriate consequences, setting clear boundaries, using effective communication, and providing positive reinforcement for good behavior. These methods are believed to be more effective in promoting long-term behavioral and emotional development while fostering a healthier parent-child relationship.
e. It is important for parents to understand the potential consequences of using corporal punishment and consider alternative discipline strategies that promote a supportive and nurturing environment for their children.
3. Review The Statistics Don’t Lie: Fathers Matter (National Fatherhood Initiative®, last accessed, July 2023).
a. For an overview of the related discussion and related literature, refer to pp. 71-72 of Chapter 9.
4. Review The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) (CDC, last accessed, July 2023).
a. For an overview of the related discussion and related literature, refer to pp. 73-74 of Chapter 9.
5. Watch The Making of a Juvenile Delinquent | Byron Williams | TEDxDanielHandHS (TEXx Talks, May 3, 2023) [also embedded below]
a. Throughout the program, think about possible links between parenting and delinquency.
b. Identify ways that Mr. Williams’ commitment to fatherhood and family guard against antisocial behavior.
6. Listen to a Successful Parenting podcast of your choice: (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/successful-parenting)
a. Sociologists, psychologists, and criminologists have produced a voluminous amount research examining the relationship between parental behavior and delinquency.
To access the PPT file, click HERE. Note that files are updated regularly and as such might change in content and appearance.
Read, Review, Watch and Listen to all listed materials by the due date listed within the course LMS (i.e., Blackboard) site.
Contact the professor with any course-related questions
Click HERE to report any needed updates, e.g., broken links.
Discussion Questions
- Considering that children from stable, two-parent households tend to have lower involvement in crime, how might policymakers and community leaders create programs or initiatives that support and reinforce family stability?
- How do different parenting styles, specifically authoritative versus authoritarian, impact a child’s likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior?
- What interventions can be proposed to educate parents on effective parenting techniques that minimize the risk of delinquency?
- Discuss the implications of the finding that criminal behavior can be passed down through generations.
- Evaluate the role of sibling relationships in criminal behavior. Should intervention programs focus more on sibling dynamics and their influence on behavior, especially in families where one or more children are already involved in crime?
- How does socioeconomic status indirectly influence a child’s propensity for criminal behavior?
Supplemental Resources
- American Academy of Pediatrics AAP policy opposes corporal punishment, draws on recent evidence
- Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP): Juvenile Population Characteristics
- MST Services Poverty Impacts Children in a Multitude of Ways (Sep. 2018) [last accessed November 2023]
References
- Simons, L. G. (2009). Families and Crime. In J. M. Miller (Ed.), 21st Century Reference Series. 21st Century Criminology: A Reference Handbook (Vol. 1, pp. 67-75). SAGE Reference. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3201600019/GVRL?u=cod_lrc&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=38f46ed0
Refers to young individuals who face a higher probability of experiencing negative life outcomes due to various factors, circumstances, or behaviors that put them in vulnerable situations. These young people may be at risk of engaging in behaviors that can lead to personal, social, and academic difficulties, potentially hindering their overall development and success.
Characterized by their strict and controlling parenting style. They tend to have high expectations for their children and enforce rules and discipline rigorously.
A style of parenting that is both high on responsiveness and demandingness.
Refers to any form of abuse or neglect directed towards children under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another individual in a position of responsibility. Child maltreatment encompasses a range of harmful actions and omissions that can have severe and lasting consequences on a child's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. It is a significant social issue that requires attention and intervention to protect vulnerable children.
A psychological theory that seeks to explain the development of aggressive and disruptive behaviors in individuals, particularly in the context of family interactions. It was first proposed by researchers Gerald Patterson and John Reid in the 1970s and has since been widely studied and supported by empirical evidence. According to the Coercion Model, the development of antisocial behavior is a result of a coercive cycle that occurs within family relationships.
The Coercion Model highlights the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies to disrupt the coercive cycle and promote positive parenting practices. Interventions often focus on teaching parents more effective and positive discipline techniques, improving communication skills, and fostering a supportive and nurturing family environment. By breaking the cycle of coercion, it is possible to reduce the risk of antisocial behavior development and improve the long-term outcomes for at-risk children and adolescents.
Occurs infrequently, does not escalate over time, and rarely results in physical injury or psychological trauma.
A disciplinary method that involves the use of physical force to inflict pain or discomfort as a means of correcting or controlling a person's behavior. It is often used as a form of punishment for children, students, or individuals who are perceived to have misbehaved or violated rules.
Within the context of parenting, refers to the level of expectations, rules, and control that parents exert over their children's behavior and activities through supervision, disciplinary efforts, and a constant imposition of consequences for failing to meet expectations. It is one of the two main dimensions of parenting style, with the other being responsiveness.
Also known as domestic violence and intimate terrorism, is a pattern of abusive behavior that occurs within a romantic or intimate relationship. It involves the use of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or economic tactics to control and dominate one's partner. IPV can occur in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships and affects individuals of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Characterized by a lack of emotional involvement, attention, and support for their children. This parenting style is associated with a failure to meet the child's physical and emotional needs.
Also known as indulgent parents, exhibit a lenient and non-authoritarian parenting style. They are characterized by their high levels of warmth, responsiveness, and support but their relatively low levels of control and discipline.
A dimension of parenting that refers to the level of warmth, emotional support, and sensitivity that parents show in response to their children's needs and emotions. It is one of the two main dimensions of parenting style, with the other being demandingness.
Responsive parents are attuned to their children's feelings, desires, and developmental stages, and they provide appropriate support and guidance. They actively listen to their children, validate their emotions, and offer comfort and understanding during times of distress. Responsive parents also foster open communication, allowing children to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or punishment.
Refers to behaviors, actions, or characteristics that violate social norms, values, or expectations within a particular society or culture. Deviance is a relative concept, as what is considered deviant in one society may be accepted or even encouraged in another. The concept of social deviance is essential for understanding how societies define and enforce acceptable behavior.
Often referred to as domestic violence, is a pattern of abusive behavior or mistreatment that occurs within an intimate or familial relationship, typically between spouses or partners. It involves the use of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or economic tactics to exert power and control over the other person.
