ABSTRACT
Self-expression is our most complex type covering many circumstances which involve offending. This chapter demonstrates that much offending behaviour takes as its social and cultural references the family and authority organisations. It argues that offending behaviour is best explained by control theory, in conjunction with a weak version of subcultural theory; and that strain and subcultural theories seek to explain situations which develop in the absence of adequate, appropriate social controls. It highlights some of the main features associated with offenders categorised as self-expressive. Although the offences associated with self-expression cover a wide range they tend not to be utilitarian, with anger, violence and self-harm prominent. Explanations and the focus for probation practice tend to be gendered. The chapter concludes that stressful Self-expressive reaction Pat links back to the role of parents in social control and forward to resentful, frustrated responses which take the form of crimes.
