| Summary: | This study examines factors associated with recidivism among
Aboriginal sex offenders. Some of the factors are based on
sociological theories put forth by advocates of the specific
deterrence theory (Beccaria 1738-1794, Bentham 1748-1832), life course
perspective (Sampson and Laub, 1993), and general theory of low selfcontrol
(Gottfredson and Hirschi, 1990). Recidivism will be measured
both as a probability of event occurrence (through logistic
regression) and as "risk" of recidivating (incorporating probability
and time duration through survival analysis).
This study focuses on Aboriginal sex offenders released from
prisons located in the Pacific and Prairie regions of Canada. The
timeframe for this study is from January 1994 until December 31, 1998.
Data were gathered through the use of the Correctional Service of
Canada's automated system, the offender management system.
Consistent with Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory, I found that
low-self control increases the likelihood of recidivism. Sampson and
Laub's life course perspective was partially supported. Findings
indicate that recidivism is inversely associated with employment
status. Marital status and level of education do not appear to be
associated with recidivism. Finally, the findings show evidence that
longer periods of incarceration serve to deter offenders as predicted
by specific deterrence theory. Other factors such as age of release
and level of supervision are also positively associated with
recidivism. Recommendations for future studies are outlined. === Arts, Faculty of === Sociology, Department of === Graduate
|
|---|
