Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to enlighten and explore the lifestyle theory in reference of criminology. The lifestyle theory in the subject area of criminology was constructed by Michael Hindelang and Michael Gottfredson. Nonetheless, the theory portrays several variables of lifestyle that influence criminal behavior of a person. The main assertion of lifestyle theory is that various lifestyles of individuals place them in greater proximity to criminal offenders, thus they themselves increase their odds of criminal victimization. Also, individuals with certain lifestyles may make better choices for offenders because of their value as individuals, their valuable possessions, or their unwillingness to protect themselves or their property adequately. Michael Hindelang and his colleagues define lifestyle as daily activities and leisure activities in which individuals participate on a routine basis. The concept of lifestyle includes choices individuals make freely and within imposed constraints, as well as behaviors influenced by societal structures and expectations.

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Lifestyle Constraints Represented by the Theory4

The Risk of Victimization5

Lifestyle Factors Correlating Victimization6

Demographics6

Social Activities7

Alcohol and Drug Use8

Economic Status9

Community Structural Variables10

Conclusion10

Works Cited12

The Lifestyle Theory

Introduction

The theory of lifestyle was discovered in 1978 by Michael Hindelang and Michael Gottfredson. Nonetheless, some time after the revelation of the lifestyle theory in field of criminology, James Garofalo published Victims of Personal Crime which was an empirical foundation for a theory of personal victimization. According to the lifestyle theory in reference to criminology, people play a role in their own victimization by engaging in lifestyles and making certain lifestyle choices that make them more accessible to offenders and easier targets for crime. This assertion started a new line of inquiry in criminological theory by suggesting that the choices victims make either increase or decrease their chances for criminal victimization.

Several scholars had suggested that crime victims could be held at least partially responsible for their victimization due to characteristics they possessed. In the early years of victimology, these characteristics often were presented as typologies. For example, Beniamin Mendelsohn identified five types of victims: innocent victims, victims with minor guilt, victims as guilty as offenders, victims who were guiltier than offenders, and most guilty victims. Similarly, Hans Von Hentig expanded the idea of the victim typology by naming 12 types of crime victims: young, female, elderly, mentally defective, immigrants, minorities, dull, normal, depressed, acquisitive, lonesome and heartbroken, tormentors, and blocked, exempted, and fighting.

Lifestyle Constraints Represented by the Theory

According to the lifestyle theory, standard of living includes behavioral expectations of persons occupying various social roles. For example, we do not expect new parents to go out partying and drinking all the time after the birth of their child. We anticipate that they will stay at home and take care of their infant. At the same time, young single men and women are “allowed” more freedom to engage in alcohol-related leisure activities. They are unlikely to have important responsibilities at home and can, therefore, go out and have fun. Another example involves the behavioral expectations associated with employment. Those who are employed are usually expected to go to work ...