List and describe three reasons experts provide as to why crime declines with age. Which of the reasons do you find most viable? Provide a rationale for your views

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Students should list three of the five reasons below.

• Growing older means having to face the future
o Young people, especially the indigent and antisocial, tend to "discount the future"
o They see no reason to delay gratification when faced with an uncertain future
o As they mature, troubled youths are able to develop a long-term life view and resist the need for immediate gratification
• With maturity comes the ability to resist the "quick fix" to their problems
o Research shows that some kids may turn to crime as a way to solve the problems of adolescence, loneliness, frustration, and fear of peer rejection
o As they mature, conventional means of problem solving become available
o Life experience helps former delinquents seek nondestructive solutions to their personal problems
• Maturation coincides with increased levels of responsibility
o Petty crimes are risky and exciting social activities that provide adventure in an otherwise boring world
o As youths grow older, they take on new responsibilities that are inconsistent with criminality
? For example, young people who marry, enlist in the armed services, or enroll in vocational training courses are less likely to pursue criminal activities
• Personalities can change with age
o As youths mature, rebellious youngsters may develop increased self-control and be able to resist antisocial behavior
o In adulthood, people strengthen their ability to delay gratification and forgo the immediate gains that law violations bring
o They also start wanting to take responsibility for their behavior and to adhere to conventional mores, such as establishing long-term relationships and starting a family
o Getting married, raising a family, and creating long-term family ties provide the stability that helps people desist from crime
• Young adults become more aware of the risks that accompany crime
o As adults, they are no longer protected by the relatively kindly arms of the juvenile justice system
• Student answers will vary