The Roxbury Series in Crime, Justice, and Law: Families, Delinquency, and Crime

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This book examines the connection between family life and antisocial behavior, addressing a significant gap in existing literature. Researchers from various fields have explored how the family, as a fundamental social institution, relates to different forms of criminal behavior. The authors integrate classic and contemporary theories of delinquency and crime to present a cohesive analysis. It serves as a valuable resource for courses on juvenile delinquency, criminology, deviance, and child development. The text evaluates popular explanations through studies by sociologists, criminologists, and psychologists, with each chapter defining key terms, reviewing empirical literature, and arguing the dynamic role of families in relation to delinquency and problem behaviors, supported by clear examples. Part I delves into child and adolescent antisocial behavior, discussing how family structure, marital conflict, parental antisocial behavior, and child-rearing practices impact a child's risk for conduct problems and delinquency. Part II shifts focus to adult antisocial behavior, illustrating how family socialization processes and childhood issues influence the likelihood of adult crime. It addresses the continuity and discontinuity of antisocial behavior throughout life and how romantic partners can alter deviant trajectories. Additionally, the book investigates the relationship between childhood family experiences and the risk of