Desistance from Crime

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxi

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Michael Rocque

   Pages 1-15

3. Desistance in Perspective: Historical Work and the Identification of a Field of Study

   • Michael Rocque

   Pages 17-46

4. Desistance under the Microscope: The Definition and Measurement of Desistance in Modern Criminology

   • Michael Rocque

   Pages 47-74

5. What Do We Know? Longitudinal Studies and Correlates of Desistance

   • Michael Rocque

   Pages 75-110

6. Putting It All Together: Theories of Desistance from Crime

   • Michael Rocque

   Pages 111-161

7. Integrated and Equal Is Better: How Desistance Theories Represent the Process of Maturation

   • Michael Rocque

   Pages 163-192

8. Putting Desistance Research to Work: Policy and Desistance Theory

   • Michael Rocque

   Pages 193-220

9. Back Matter

   Pages 221-263

   PDF

This book represents a brief treatise on the theory and research behind the concept of desistance from crime. This ever-growing field has become increasingly relevant as questions of serious issues regarding sentencing, probation and the penal system continue to go unanswered. Rocque covers the history of research on desistance from crime and provides a discussion of research and theories on the topic before looking towards the future of the application of desistance to policy.


The focus of the volume is to provide an overview of the practical and theoretical developments to better understand desistance. In addition, a multidisciplinary, integrative theoretical perspective is presented, ensuring that it will be of particular interest for students and scholars of criminology and the criminal justice system.

• crime
• research
• criminological theory
• longitudinal research
• life-course criminology
• rehabilitation
• corrections
• justice
• prison
• probation
• rehabilitation psychology
• crime prevention
• recidivism

“This book will serve practitioners, academics, students and policymakers well, especially those who are in need of brushing up on their knowledge of all things desistance. Time spent reading this book would be an expedient way of getting a handle on the complex field of desistance research.” (Jake Philips, Probation Journal, 2018)

“The study of desistance from crime was once seen as a sort of “new world” – an uncharted territory where daring explorers could stake a claim, take a selfie, and name a chunk of turf after themselves in a scholarly free-for-all. Yet, the land grab officially ends here. In this painstaking tour de force, Michael Rocque provides the first definitive and comprehensive map of the expanse known as desistance, exposing blind alleys and illuminating paths to enlightenment. No future researcher should ever venture into this treacherous terrain again without arming themselves with this insightful and essential guide.” (Shadd Maruna, author of “Making Good: How Ex-Convicts Reform and Rebuild Their Lives”)

 “Before this book, the study of desistance from crime seemed a lot like the phenomenon of desisting from crime -- a messy scattershot story of two steps forward and one step back. But like our favorite desistance stories, this one has a happy ending. Michael Rocque has cogently organized this foundational work and brilliantly integrated it into his own maturation perspective. Experts in desistance and criminal careers will learn much from Desistance from Crime, but its lucid and systematic presentation make the book accessible to a much broader set of readers. Indispensable.” (Chris Uggen, Regents Professor & Martindale Chair in Sociology & Law, University of Minnesota, USA)

“In a short period of time, interest in the subject of desistance has exploded in the criminological literature and beyond. Michael Rocque has undertaken the monumental task of summarizing, synthesizing, and critiquing this vast literature, and in the process draws upon his immense expertise to develop an integrated theory of desistance focused on the importance of maturation. Rocque not only wades into contemporary debates in the field, he also importantly traces the historical roots of desistance research. This is an invaluable contribution and an engaging read, suitable for scholars, students, and practitioners alike.” (David Kirk, Associate Professor of Sociology, Professorial Fellow of Nuffield College, University of Oxford, UK)

“Desistance” from criminal behavior is not a concept that criminologists understand very well. This isn’t because of a lack of theory and research on the subject, but it is instead because of the absence of a systematic effort to organize this body of work and to make sense of it. Michael Rocque’s Desisting from Crime skillfully fills this absence with a rich historical treatment of the criminological literature and a welcome interdisciplinary flavor. All scholars interested in why people quit behaving badly should read it!” (Travis C. Pratt, University of Cincinnati, USA)

• Department of Sociology, Bates College, Lewiston, USA

  Michael Rocque

Michael Rocque is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, USA. His research interests are life-course criminology, racial disparities in the criminal justice system and corrections. He is the author (along with Nicole Rafter and Chad Posick) of The Criminal Brain, 2nd ed (2016). 

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