NCJ Number
164764
Date Published
1995
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This paper focuses on human development from birth to 7 years of age and on the emergence of a range of experiences and skills that represent functional components of social reciprocity; the authors hypothesize that failure to develop social competence early in life increases the odds of deviant behavior later in life.
Abstract
Longitudinal and experimental research is characterized to highlight the current state of knowledge regarding human development and deviance. Two central questions are addressed: (1) why crime prediction is inaccurate for planning early prevention strategies; and (2) what early crime preventive interventions achieve. A crucial distinction is made between health promotion and disease prevention, and a framework is presented that encompasses principles of developmental neurobiology, social organization, and economic resources. These principles require synthesis and coordination in order to create more definitive strategies that promote human capability in general and social competence in particular. Directions for future research are noted that concern the link between early and late deprivation and antisocial behavior. 55 references, 5 notes, and 1 figure