Réussir dans le crime et réussir à s’en sortir : l’influence de la carrière criminelle sur le processus de désistement
Many roads lead to criminal desistance and the path taken depends on past experiences. Few studies have examined the link between criminal career and its aftermath, how the events that characterized the criminal lifestyle influence the decision to desist and to maintain this abstinence from crime. Based on the life narratives of individuals involved mainly in lucrative crimes (N = 15), this study aims to reconstruct their life trajectory to study the meaning and dynamics behind the process of stopping and maintaining abstinence from crime. The results identified two distinct paths. They also suggest that subjective experiences and past events affecting the criminal career provides access to a deeper understanding of desistance and challenges of reentry. Findings also highlight the relevance of criminal achievement in the study of the desistance process. It is hoped that the project will foster a better understanding of turning points in criminal careers and the processes that affect continuity and desistance.
Criminal achievement Criminal career Desistance Life course Rational choice Social reintegration