Overview

This book provides a systematic and scholarly examination of the major questions facing academics and practitioners working in the area of deviance and aging. Drawing on the theoretical and empirical work from established leaders in criminology and criminal justice, the editors provide large sample studies that identify the long-term trends in the area of aging and crime. This volume is a fine source of data about a minor facet of offensive behavior. Contemporary Sociology The book provides a systematic and scholarly examination of the major questions facing academics and practitioners working in the area of deviance and aging. Drawing on the theoretical and empirical work from established leaders in criminology and criminal justice, the editors provide large sample studies that identify the long-term trends in the area of aging and crime. The introduction addresses the question of the real trends among older offenders and offers a detailed review of the criminological and criminal justice literature on older offenders. The section on criminological perspectives examines the question Why does criminal behavior decline with age? from both sociological and psychological perspectives. Other chapters discuss the application of social learning, control, and anomie theories of deviance to crime by older offenders; provide an econometric analysis of property crime; and consider research on alcohol abuse and homicide among elderly. The section dealing with criminal justice perspectives examines the dispositions of police, judiciary, and correctional management toward the elderly. This final section also includes coverage of special sub-populations of elderly offenders, such as violent offenders, and long-term offenders.