RT Article
T1 House, bells and bliss? A longitudinal analysis of conventional aspirations and the process of desistance
JF European journal of criminology
VO 17
IS 6
SP 744
OP 763
A1 Doekhie, Jennifer
A2 Van Ginneken, Esther
LA English
YR 2020
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1745627790
AB Various studies have pointed to identity change and cognitive transformation as important predictors of desistance. Yet, even persistent offenders have conventional aspirations, which include a job, a house and a family. This article examines the development of conventional aspirations of 23 Dutch (ex-)prisoners using qualitative longitudinal data. Findings show no association between conventional aspirations and desistance as both desisters and persisters expressed conventional goals (‘house, bells and bliss’). A lack of substance and detailed scripts to flesh out the essence of the desired conventional roles meant it could be difficult to turn vague ideals into concrete action pathways. Finally, conventional aspirations and criminal lifestyles were not mutually exclusive; some of the persistent offenders used criminal pathways to fulfil conventional roles.
K1 Agency
K1 Desistance
K1 Identity
K1 Imprisonment
K1 Re-entry
DO 10.1177/1477370818819702