Expanding Integrated Criminological Theory: Recognizing the Applicability of Agnew’s (2005) Integrated Theory for Understanding Victimization

• In Event: Theoretical Approaches to the Development of Offending

Abstract

Over the past 40 years integrated theories have become increasingly utilized in criminological inquiry. Although a variety of integrated criminological theories have been developed, focus has been predominately centered on understanding crime and delinquency and only minimally explored the applicability of these theories to explain victimization. Moreover, since empirical research has consistently identified at least a moderate relationship between offenders as victims and vice versa (i.e. the victim-offender overlap), there is belief that an integrated theoretical model addressing offending can be reasonably utilized to understand victimization. One recently developed integrated theory that has only begun to receive attention, yet has received a moderate level of support, is Agnew’s (2005) general integrated theory of offending and delinquency, which has examined the influence of various life domains on offending across the life course. Building off the empirical support for Agnew’s (2005) general integrated theory, the current study tests the applicability the theory for understanding various forms of victimization in 9 and 12 year old cohorts sampled as part of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods Longitudinal Cohort Study (PHDCN-LCS). In addition to highlighting significant findings, a discussion of implications and limitations are also provided.

Author

• Jonathan A. Grubb, Sam Houston State University