ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews several approaches to the understanding of crime that are eliciting considerable attention in the criminological journals. A relatively heated controversy in criminology concerns whether criminals comprise a distinctive group within the general population. The criminal career paradigm and integrated theoretical models provide a foundation for the discussion of developmental and life-course criminological theories, a perspective that has won wide acclaim in criminological circles in years. Developmental and life-course criminologists also recognize that risk factors develop along their own trajectories. Life-course and developmental criminology is quickly becoming an accepted paradigm in criminology. Life-course criminology posits that the causes of antisocial behavior are multifaceted and that they may change in either type or expression across the life course. Developmental criminology produces a multitude of recommendations for policymakers. Developmental and life-course criminology have emerged as major criminological perspectives and hold considerable promise.
