Desistance

Criminals who stop offending and permanently ‘desist’ from crime, and become ‘ex-offenders’ are the subject affected by the theory of desistance. This page looks at the definitions.

In terms of understanding the process of rehabilitation, and in particular the variables within an ‘ex-offender’s’ life that provides an environment fit for rehabilitation, and not re-offending; ‘desistance’ provides a theoretical framework of understanding that behaviour.

Quote from Shadd Maruna’s work:

Desistance & Development: The Psychosocial Process of ‘Going Straight’

…most young offenders eventually ‘mature’ out of deviant behaviour is one of the most well-known findings in criminology. What is less well known is what this change process involves. It is argued that this lack of understanding stems from the shortcomings of the traditional criminological framework for examining desistance and other phenomena. Narrative studies is suggested as an alternative framework for investigating the human change process, and an example is provided of a research project in Liverpool that is employing these methods.

You can read the full article here: Desistance & Development: The Psychosocial Process of ‘Going Straight’

The current emphasis in the UK within the Ministry of Justice and the coalition government is focused on reforming criminal justice and  a re-focusing on the rehabilitation of the offender.  Desistance is fast becoming one of the most important subjects within criminology and related subjects and therefore should become one of the most important research and theoretical subjects in terms of public policy.

The structural relationship between public policy and successful rehabilitation of offenders could be argued to be the most important factor to consider whether an offender is able to desist from crime.  An example of this could is argued in an early essay I did while at University, which, can be viewed here: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

You can view more articles at desistance.info, the sister site of ex-offender.co.uk; sharing opinion and knowledge. The subject of desistance over the last ten years has become the most important subject in relation to rehabilitation, but it is argued by its protagonist to be still lacking in research and discussion.

You can join the network at desistance.info and share your knowledge or comment on articles and post that have been published.

Click here to visit the site: desistance.info – Understanding and defining the narratives of offenders ‘going straight’.