ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the topic of desistance from crime through an overview of what is known from existing research and sets out the rationale of the present study. First, key findings linked to social factors associated with desistance from crime are explored. Then, the variety in pathways out of crime is discussed through developments in desistance research reflecting differences in individual circumstances. The studies mentioned emphasise the influence of social context and environment of individuals’ pathways to desistance. The field of desistance research is located within criminology. Afterwards, the focus is shifted to comparative research on desistance. The chapter then argues for the consideration of elements of people’s environments when researching desistance. Cross-national and cross-cultural comparative research are presented, highlighting their value and what they bring to the field of desistance research. The chapter concludes by justifying cross-national comparisons of desistance and highlighting the gap in the literature regarding the role of structural and social contexts in shaping individual pathways out of crime.
