David Farrington

Definition

David Farrington is a prominent criminologist known for his extensive research on the developmental aspects of criminal behavior, particularly focusing on family influences and the life course of offenders. His work highlights how family structure and sibling relationships can significantly impact a person's likelihood of engaging in criminal activities, as well as the connections between mental disorders, cognitive impairments, and juvenile delinquency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Farrington's research has shown that children from unstable family structures are at a higher risk of becoming involved in criminal activities.
2. He emphasizes the importance of sibling relationships in shaping behavior, suggesting that siblings can either promote or deter criminal involvement.
3. Farrington's studies indicate a strong correlation between mental disorders in youth and increased rates of offending later in life.
4. His work on cognitive impairments reveals that such deficits can lead to challenges in social interactions, increasing the likelihood of engaging in criminal acts.
5. Farrington's research has been influential in informing policies on juvenile detention and incarceration, advocating for approaches that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Review Questions

• How does David Farrington’s research connect family structure to criminal behavior?
  • David Farrington’s research indicates that children raised in unstable or dysfunctional family environments often exhibit higher rates of criminal behavior. He emphasizes that family structure plays a critical role in shaping an individual's attitudes, beliefs, and opportunities, which can either facilitate or hinder their propensity to offend. This connection highlights the need for early interventions focused on family dynamics to reduce future criminality.
• What role do siblings play in the context of David Farrington’s findings on criminal behavior?
  • In his research, David Farrington identifies siblings as significant influencers on each other's behavior. Positive sibling relationships can act as protective factors against delinquency, while negative influences may increase the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. This underscores the importance of considering family interactions and dynamics when addressing issues of youth offending and developing intervention strategies.
• Evaluate how David Farrington’s insights on mental disorders and cognitive impairments contribute to our understanding of juvenile delinquency.
  • David Farrington's insights into the link between mental disorders and cognitive impairments provide a nuanced understanding of juvenile delinquency. He suggests that young individuals with these challenges may struggle with social norms and decision-making, leading to increased offending behavior. By highlighting these connections, Farrington advocates for tailored interventions that address both psychological needs and behavioral issues, emphasizing rehabilitation rather than punitive measures to support at-risk youth.

Related terms

Criminology: The scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the societal responses to crime.

Developmental Theories: Theories that emphasize the role of individual development over time in understanding criminal behavior.

Life-Course Perspective: An approach that examines how social, psychological, and biological factors interact over a person's life to influence behavior and development.