Additional Theories

There are numerous theories exemplifying parallel concepts and ideas to the developmental crime theory, and each of these serve as supporting evidence for its significance and reliability.

Thornberry’s interactional theory 

This theory was introduced in 1987 and argues that delinquent behaviour is majorly and predominantly shaped by social learning and social control variables over the individual’s developmental stages (Thornberry 1987). The interactional theory is a reciprocal process, wherein social relations are altered by delinquent behaviour which is fundamentally influenced by childhood social relations. Thornberry’s interactional theory was criticised upon its introduction for being deterministic and over-simplifying the transition to adolescence and the specific consequences of childhood experiences (Farrington 2017). Regardless, the theory directly supports the concept of developmental crime prevention as they both explore the importance of intervening at a young age in order to minimise delinquent behaviour. 

Cultural deprivation theory

This is a sociological theory founded on the idea that lower class citizens suffer from the supposed cultural deprivation, subsequently demonstrating inferior knowledge, values and norms(Smith and Pettigrew 2015). This enhances the divide between social classes which is strongly evidenced in Starley Cross through the clear division between Brookes Close and Manor Road areas. Certain families therefore inherit a distinctive disadvantage, linking to the concept of developmental crime and growing up within a resentful environment, likely being fabricator of crime (Webber 2007). On the other hand, with the proposed inclusions of youth clubs, uniting not just the children but also their parents, Starley Cross will see a noticeable change within the class system and consequently a reduction in social divide and thus crime.