Military as a "Turning Point" in Violent Behavior

• In Event: The Military, Religion, and the Life Course

Abstract

Lifecourse perspectives take on a variety of explanations to explain violence across an individual’s life. The Age Graded Theory of Informal Social Control emphasizes life trajectories and divergent pathways by arguing that violent behavior is not marked only by continuity, but also change over time. Thus, the life course is potentially dynamic, meaning that all offenders can reestablish bonds (i.e., turning points) during adulthood that can divert them from crime. Using The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), this research uses regression measures to evaluate how military experience may be a turning point in life to lead to desistance from violence. The findings for this study examines specific turning points argued in the Age Graded Theory of Informal Social Control which may lead to desistance in crime later in life. The findings for this study can influence sentencing decisions in the criminal justice system by offering a rehabilitative approach to violent offenders.

Authors

• Elizabeth Borkowski, Florida State University

• Wanda Leal, Texas A&M University - San Antonio

• Katherine Ray, Florida State University