Larry Siegel: The Development Theory

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In responses to the reading, the chapter was broken down into three part, in which the author Larry J. Siegel, discussed the foundations of development theory’s. The Development theory explained the different standards of the life course theory, which propose that the development of a criminal career is a self-motivated process. Not only that, but the chapter continues to explain behavior in that area, which one in particular was problem behavior syndrome(PBS) and expands are provides us with more information on the life course theory. Finally, Siegel then explains the different concept of latent trait and the basic principles of the general theory of Crime and trajectory theory. The development theories were defined as “the view that criminality …show more content…

state dependence. Population heterogeneity being the term that explains someone who has committed crime, will forever commit crime throughout their life time. Whereas state dependence, believes someone who committed a crime, can have a turn point in their life and stop committing those crimes. Moving forward, Siegel discusses behaviors that may be the result and the reason being why these children start at such as young age, which was PBS. PBS are behaviors that contain social, personal and environmental dysfunctions alternating from poor health to unemployment. Which causes these individuals to do all sorts of crime because they believe that is the right way to go. Moreover, the General theory of crime, is similar to developmental theory, due to general theory of crime reflecting someone self-control. In other words, because of these individuals having low self-control, there is a higher chance of them committing crime. However, those with higher self- control, can try to find a way to escape criminal actions. This chapter was very interesting and eye opening. I really enjoyed reading it and expanding my knowledge in the criminal sociology