ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to critically engage with theories of desistance, with the aim of ultimately formulating the theoretical framework and outlining the methodology of this current study. This chapter argues for a theoretical approach which integrates various facets of existing theories, accounting for dynamic socio-structural factors and internal mechanisms. This approach considers the impact of societies’ characteristics in a given time and the variety of pathways out of crime, which, in a cross-national comparative study, is essential. The chapter argues that an integrated approach to studying desistance is most appropriate to analyse how different groups of people stop offending, as it accounts for a comprehensive range of influences that evolve alongside individual change and internal mechanisms.
Research objectives and questions are then presented, after which epistemological considerations and research design are overviewed. The value and scope of conducting cross-national comparative research in criminology are discussed, as well as the decisions made regarding the operationalisation of the concept of desistance in this research. The chapter also describes the sampling criteria used and the process of recruiting participants. There is consideration for ethical issues including informed consent for participation, preserving anonymity, anticipating potential harm, and managing data. The chapter draws attention to my influence on the research process, particularly in data collection and analysis. The data collection process is explained. Finally, there is an overview of the analysis process to provide context to the analysis chapters
