Narrative Theory Applied to the Autobiographies of Three Life-Course Offenders

Abstract

The written autobiographical accounts of three life-course offenders, which were published following extended life-course offending, were analyzed using a theory-led thematic analysis. The protagonists were each responsible for a broad range of acquisitive and violent crimes, although different offense types are often studied as separate entities. The utility of narrative theory was explored as a life-course theory by contrasting its framework with these disparate areas of inquiry, along the developmental trajectory of the protagonist's account. Findings showed that onset began with trait-driven and versatile offending, which progressed toward specialization, incorporating modus operandi and rational choice making. Specialization was underpinned by themes of violence and control. The concluding themes dealt with the process of desistance, which was facilitated by a series of cognitive shifts, allowing these offenders to retain a core element of the "self." Results further showed that narrative-identity played an influential role in the development of specialization and eventual desistance, but less so with onset. Narrative theory has the potential to aid understanding of the criminal life-course trajectory, which in turn can assist in both detection and rehabilitation processes.

“If Someone Would Have Showed Me”: Identifying Pivotal Points in Pathways to Crime and Incarceration Through Prisoner Self-Narratives

“…For instance, Gilfus (1993) conducted life history interviews with 20 incarcerated women and found that running away from home was the first delinquent act that many had engaged in, often due to abuse at home, that set the stage for further criminal involvement, such as drug use, stealing, or prostitution. In addition, in an examination of autobiographies of three male ex-offenders in the United Kingdom, Hockey (2016) found that underlying traits, such as impulsivity or aggression, contributed to their initial onset into criminality. Furthermore, Hockey (2016) stated that desistance of the men was due to cognitive shifts but not any radical transformation of “self.”…”

“…The examination of narratives can assist researchers in making sense as to how offenders manage or change their identity over their life course which, of course, is subject to research participants’ interpretation of life events (Hockey, 2016). As Presser (2009) states, “the narrative is a certain rendering of what is happening or has happened, including a rendering of one’s own actions” (p. 182).…”

“…Narrative identity theory, rooted in narrative criminology, “offers an explanation for the continuous construction of identity over the life course and emphasizes the power of identity to explain behavior” (Stone, 2016, p. 956). Other researchers have also stressed the ability of the theory to explain crime over the life course (Hockey, 2016; Singer, 2004). The theory posits that identities are constructed through the incorporation of life events into a story, or narrative (Stone, 2016).…”

“…In addition, in an examination of autobiographies of three male ex-offenders in the United Kingdom, Hockey (2016) found that underlying traits, such as impulsivity or aggression, contributed to their initial onset into criminality. Furthermore, Hockey (2016) stated that desistance of the men was due to cognitive shifts but not any radical transformation of "self. "…”