In and Out of “The Lifestyle”: Theoretical Explanations for Female Offending and Desistance From Crime

Abstract

This qualitative study of theoretical frameworks was conducted to explain criminal offending and attitudes towards desistance from crime for a sample of 26 women reintegrating back into society after incarceration. Theoretical pathways and desistance theories were used to provide themes for analyzing in depth interviews, journal entries written by the study’s participants, and halfway house records. Pathways and desistance perspectives suggest that gendered pathways can explain how women are led into criminal lifestyles, as well as how their criminality may come to an end. Distinct gender-specific policy implications and programs, as well as directions for future research, are also discussed. © 2022 Springer Publishing Company.