Citation

Chu MM. Br. J. Criminol. 2002; 42(2): 250-266.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, Publisher Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/bjc/42.2.250

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of bonds and negative associations on criminal onset. The research hypothesis is that the lack of bonds, negative associations, and failures decrease the age at which the first conviction is committed. A sample of 1,011 Chinese male prison inmates participated in the survey. Research subjects provided self-reported life events and offending history. In their progression of criminal onset, normal bonds were lacking in early days of their life. The Chinese subjects also demonstrated later onset ages and later ages in decreasing criminal involvement than western lawbreakers. Insights for future research, policy, and intervention are suggested. Limitation of the study and caution for interpreting research findings also are stated.