“Having a family member involved in crime increases the risk that other members of the family will also engage in criminal activity”
Abstract
This article examines family influences in offending using data from a cross-sectional survey undertaken by the Home Office UK. Based on multiple resources, a moderately strong correlation within the family in offending is found. This correlation varies according to the gender, and it is stronger for males and for those whose parents have been involved in criminal activity. Family delinquency including siblings’ influences in offending is discussed.
Introduction
The main aims of this report is to investigate the issue of having a family member involved in crime, increases the risk that other members of the family will also engage in criminal activity.
While a variety of characteristics are recognised as risk factors for criminal offenders. Studies have found strong family similarity in offending. Family members particularly siblings and parents are likely to influence each others’ behaviours (Farrington 1995; Farrington, Barnes & Lambert 1996b; Youth Life Survey 1998/1999; Brook, Whiteman, Gordon & Brook, 1988; Rowe & Gulley, 1992). This report uses data from a cross-sectional survey undertaken by the Home Office UK to look at these issues.
Methodology
The purpose of this study is to look into how the risk of offending is increased if they have family criminality.
This research will be done by asking a representative samples of people whether they have offended. The representative sample will be aged 12-30, because this group is most at risk of offending and are at most risk of being influenced by others.
It will exclude people whose in custodial intuitions, the homeless, or children in residential care, because these groups make up less than one per cent of the age group, even though these groups might be at a higher-risk of being involved in crime.
Survey will be asking about their lifestyle,...