Summary and Conclusions

Abstract

In this chapter we draw together the main themes and findings from the previous chapters. In the first four chapters we concentrated predominantly on theoretical issues about the causes of crime, whereas the last three chapters dealt mainly with interventions. Inevitably, there are certain overlaps between the two parts of the book. That is, the chapters on the causes of crime, personality, and individual differences also broach findings from studies about sentencing and treatment effectiveness when this is appropriate within the context and scope of the individual chapter. Conversely, the chapters on sentencing, punishment, and rehabilitation broach issues about the causes of crime and the importance of personality and individual differences. The main theme that runs through the book is that psychological factors and individual differences related to the personality are of central importance in relation to both the causes of crime and its control. This does not mean to say that other factors, such as sociological and economic ones, are not important. Indeed, in many instances they are. We believe that sociological theories are particularly relevant in relation to victimless crimes and less so in the case of victimful crimes.