NCJ Number
244950
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 53 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2013 Pages: 129-148
Date Published
January 2013
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examines parenthood as a desistance from crime.
Abstract
Research on desistance from crime has given little attention to the transition to parenthood as a 'turning point.' Parenthood might have different implications for men and women, as well as for individuals in different relationship contexts. Using a within-individual design and Norwegian register data on men and women who became parents in 1997-2001, the authors provide detailed descriptions of offending patterns. The results imply that, for men and women, the relative likelihood of offending declines before the birth. In the post-birth period, women's offending resumes at a lower likelihood than before the birth, while men's stabilizes at a low level. For men with no relationship to the other parent, the likelihood of offending continues to decline after the birth. (Published Abstract)