ABSTRACT
The first thing which Stephen’s work has taught the author methodologically is persistence. It is remarkable that he has limited attrition in his cohort to such a degree. The second thing that Stephen masterfully illustrates is that research breadth can only be acquired by measuring results that go far beyond official statistical data. Even when one makes sure that interviewees understand that they will not get any reward for participating, it is often patent that they still hope that it will influence decision-makers. Sociological approaches often dismiss the antisocial hypothesis in spite of the considerable amount of research which has established its neuro-biological, its quantitative and its life-course relevance. In 2014, Stephen and his colleagues have further downscaled the role of supervision to planting a seed that might or might not grow years later. In essence, Rethinking leads the reader to reflect upon what to do with persistent offenders, and those who struggle to leave a life of crime.
