Terrie Moffitt was a Psychologist who coined the theory dual taxonomy. The theory revolved around anti-social behavior, and what scenarios related to this type of behavior. “This theory relates to explains the age and crime curve” (Moffitt, 1993). This theory discusses how the age of a person can be related to the criminal paths people choose to take. There are two groups of people who are in the stereotype of crime. The first type is known as Adolescent Limited Offender. This type of offender may get involved in crime as a teenager, and does not show stability throughout their life. The second type of group is called Life-Course Persistent Offenders. This group has exhibited signs of anti-social behavior since they were young kids. The signs that they would show consisted of biting someone, or slapping another kid. Many of these kids who showed these signs grew up to be criminals.
Lifestyles that do not include a stable environment can impact anti-social behavior. “The unstable lifestyle of a child can enhance the anti-social mental status, and can form into a criminal” (Moffitt, 2006). Stability in a child’s life is very important for social skills, and milestones to be achieved. When kids do not have this type of nurture and attention to help them grow it can affect their social behavior. They may not want to have friends because the kid is not up to the same social level as the other kids in the community.
The theory relates to behavior change and anti-social actions. The kid can increase in the chance of having anti-social behavior due to psychological and mental occurrences. “The effects of a child’s behavior can occur with cognitive defects, hyper behavior, and a bad attitude” . The review of this theory was researched and presented. The evidence of the two groups of offenders has shown to be very positive and accurate. This does not mean the theory is empirical. Some of the studies were not supported by other researchers. “The theory is proved to not be considered empirical and has significant problems” .
Reference
Moffitt, T. E. (1993). Adolescence-Limited and Life-Course-Persistent Antisocial Behavior: A Developmental Taxonomy. pp. 674-701.
Moffitt, T. E. (2006). A Review of the Taxonomy of Life-Course Persistent Versus Adolescence: Limited Antisocial Behavior. pp. 1-56.
Odgers, C. (2008). Female and Male antisocial trajectories: From Child Hood Origins To Adult Outcomes, pp. 673-716.
Skardhamar, T. (2009). RECONSIDERING THE THEORY ON ADOLESCENT-LIMITED AND LIFE-COURSE PERSISTENT ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR. pp. 863-878.
