How do life course theorists view the relationship between crime and individual development?

Life course theorists emphasize that the relationship between crime and individual development is dynamic and shaped by various factors. This perspective recognizes that criminal behavior is not fixed and can change over the lifespan due to a multitude of influences, including biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.

Life course theory posits that an individual’s path can be affected by transitions such as changes in relationships, education, employment, and family responsibilities, as well as by events, or "turning points," that can alter one’s trajectory—guiding individuals towards or away from delinquency. This fluidity suggests that experiences and influences at different life stages play crucial roles in shaping behavior, highlighting the complexity of the development process itself.

The other perspectives do not capture this complexity: a linear and predictable view fails to account for the variability and unpredictability inherent in human behavior; a static and unchanging viewpoint overlooks the developmental changes individuals undergo over time; and focusing solely on external pressures ignores the intricate interplay between personal choices and various social influences in shaping one’s propensity for crime.