In discussing this issue, the book draws on research and theory from criminology, psychology, family science, and sociology regarding the role of family processes in the etiology of delinquent and criminal behavior. The authors first discuss family processes and variables in the behavior of children and adolescents, with attention to the insights, implications, and applicability of control and social-learning theories. They argue that both theories provide insight into the nature and impact of the interactions between parents and children and how family variables influence peer relationships, work, and neighborhood conditions. Chapters then turn to issues related to the links between childhood socialization and deviance later in life, addressing life-course perspectives and the explanatory power of control and learning theories. The life course model proposed by the authors begins with family practices and problem behavior among children ages 10 and under, introduces peer and school influences in the teen years, and then examines how factors early in life have an impact on and are conditioned by family, marital, and occupational variables in adulthood. The authors' analysis finds that socialization and social factors in adult life can change previous deviant patterns and enhance conforming behavior; however, explanations as to why and how this occurs with some individuals and not others remains a challenge for future research. 576 references and name and subject indexes