European Journal of Criminology

The aim of this paper is to explain individual differences in lifestyle risk. Lifestyle risk has previously been identified as a key social mechanism which has strong direct effects on juvenile offending. Building on statements derived from the Situational Action Theory (SAT), we test the assumptions that (1) family structure explains individual differences in lifestyle risk, (2) these effects are moderated by mechanisms of social control, and (3) the effects of mechanisms of control are moderated by the effect of propensity to offend (morality and self-control). It is assumed that this model holds in different population segments such as subpopulations by gender and ethnic background. Results from two independently drawn urban samples in Belgium and Sweden are used to discuss the generalization of these findings. Mixed support is found for the `equality of effects' thesis.

This paper will highlight the evolution of defensible space theory — from Newman's original theoretical model to some of the subsequent theoretical and empirical developments that have been made in the past 35 years. By charting these developments in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of defensible space, the aim of this paper is to illuminate the aspects of the theory that remain ambiguous and those that have been clarified to some extent by developments in criminological research. This paper will suggest that the most ambiguous of Newman's concepts is that of `milieu'. It will be argued that this key defensible space concept draws on situational aspects of spatial layout and accessibility, land-use patterns and routine activities of place. With this in mind, this paper will attempt to re-conceptualize defensible space within the context of situational crime prevention theory by elucidating the effect that routine activities of place have on territoriality and the creation of defensible space.

Although prior research concerning Agnew's General Strain Theory (GST) has generated renewed support for the perspective, it remains limited in two critical ways. First, research tends to measure strain in terms of noxious stimuli while neglecting Agnew's conception of strain as the disjunction between expected and actual outcomes or as the disjunction between fair and actual outcomes. Second, studies rely exclusively on correlational designs that preclude causal assertions about the relationships among strain, anger, and crime. This study addresses both limitations by conducting the first experimental test of GST. Results indicate that (1) respondents assigned at random to experimental conditions involving strain as a disjunction between expected and actual outcomes or between fair and actual outcomes report significantly higher levels of situational anger, (2) high levels of situational anger are significantly associated with a higher self-reported likelihood of engaging in theft from an employer, and (3) these relationships are not significantly conditioned by perceived social support.

Classic strain theorists, such as Cohen (1955) and Cloward and Ohlin (1960), placed the emphasis on the relationship between strain and neutralization techniques. They argued that strains foster the adoption of beliefs favourable to crime. According to General Strain Theory(GST), stressful events are most likely to result in crime when a form of criminal reasoning already exists in the individual's mind. But few researchers have tested this idea. This study is one of the first to apply GST to a sample of 500 Italian subjects, in an attempt to merge two important theories: Agnew's theory and the neutralization theory. We aimed to test whether or not there is a combined effect between strain and some techniques of neutralization, especially with respect to two different criminal behaviours: major and minor crimes. The results provide partial support for the core idea of GST, namely of there being a relationship between strain, anger and crime.

Maltese criminology can be said to occupy a significant place in the national life of Malta. As a course of study, criminology makes a relatively recent appearance with the founding of the Institute of Forensic Studies at the University of Malta in 1993, although Maltese criminology has roots in forensic medicine from the 19th century. Criminologists in Malta, in their role of teaching and training police, probation and other criminal justice officials, have an identifiable influence on the practice of criminal justice. Some institutions are more reluctant than others to incorporate academic research into the policy-making process, but there is a well-prepared core of researchers carrying out relevant research.