ABSTRACT
This chapter considers some specifics of David Matza's theorizing and suggests that an especially important contribution is his focus on cognitive processes and the subjective realms of experience. Matza's work counts as classic, but connects particularly well to contemporary criminological issues and research directions. Matza's ideas developed as a counterpoint to the strong determinism implicit in then-popular subcultural theories of delinquency and specifically to the emphasis of these perspectives on the distinctive values, worldviews, and focal concerns of delinquent gang youths. Prior research on network effects and the "direct transmission" of delinquent attitudes and behaviors has focused heavily on peer relationships, and accorded less weight to romantic ties and family influences. The delinquent transiently exists in a limbo between convention and crime, responding in turn to the demands of each, flirting now with one, now the other, but postponing commitment, evading decision.
