Insights from Recent Research

The transmission of criminal behavior across generations is a phenomenon that has garnered increasing attention in contemporary criminological research. Family dynamics play a pivotal role in shaping the likelihood that criminal tendencies are passed from parents to their children, influencing both the onset of criminal activity and the risk of recidivism (Barnert et al., 2023; Ciydem & Demirbilek, 2025). Understanding the mechanisms through which this transmission occurs is crucial for developing targeted interventions that break the cycle of crime.

The Cycle of Intergenerational Crime

Intergenerational crime refers to the pattern wherein individuals with parents or close family members involved in criminal activity are more likely to engage in similar behaviors themselves (Wojciechowski, 2025; Spapens & Moors, 2020). According to Wojciechowski (2025) and Ciydem & Demirbilek (2025), this cycle is perpetuated by an intricate combination of genetic predispositions, learned behaviors, and environmental influences within the family context. Ciydem & Demirbilek argued that children exposed to criminal behavior, violence, or substance abuse in the household are at a heightened risk of adopting maladaptive coping strategies and engaging in delinquency.

Furthermore, Spapens & Moors (2020)’s studies of organized crime families highlight that criminal values, norms, and survival tactics are often transmitted explicitly through family teachings and implicitly through everyday socialization. The normalization of illegal activities within the household can diminish the perceived stigma associated with crime, thus reinforcing the continuity of such behaviors across generations.

Impact of Parental Incarceration

Parental incarceration represents a significant disruption to the family structure, often resulting in profound and long-lasting consequences for children. According to Nissinen et al. (2024), when a parent is imprisoned, families may experience emotional upheaval, economic hardship, and a loss of reliable caregiving. These stressors can lead to increased risk for behavioral issues, social marginalization, and future criminal involvement among offspring (Barnert et al., 2023). Furthermore, Noel & Najdowski (2022) posited that the absence of a positive parental role model and the societal stigma attached to having an incarcerated parent can further intensify the cycle of disadvantage

Recent research utilizing sibling comparisons demonstrates that children with incarcerated parents are significantly more likely to encounter the criminal justice system themselves, even after accounting for shared genetic and environmental factors (Nissinen et al., 2024). This suggests that the experience of parental incarceration exerts a unique and independent influence on offspring outcomes. Additionally, children’s self-perceptions and external appraisals, how they believe others view them due to their parents’ incarceration, can shape their expectations for future behavior and increase the likelihood of justice system contact (Noel & Najdowski, 2022).

Role of Family Support and Intervention

Despite the risks associated with adverse family environments, research highlights the protective power of strong family support systems and targeted interventions. Families that foster open communication, positive role modeling, and emotional support can serve as buffers against the negative effects of parental criminality (Barnert et al., 2023; Daquin et al., 2023). Intervention programs that provide counseling, educational opportunities, and access to social services for at-risk youth have been shown to reduce rates of recidivism and promote healthier developmental trajectories (Barnert et al., 2023).

Moreover, the structure and quality of family relationships play a role in prison adaptation and behavior. Individuals with a family history of incarceration may be more prone to misconduct in prison settings, suggesting that addressing familial patterns is essential even within correctional environments (Daquin et al., 2023). By strengthening family bonds and increasing access to supportive resources, it is possible to counteract the cycle of crime and encourage prosocial outcomes.

Addressing Root Causes

To effectively disrupt the intergenerational transmission of crime, it is necessary to address the root causes embedded within family dynamics. Poverty, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and lack of access to education and stable employment opportunities are critical risk factors that underpin both criminal involvement and recidivism (Fallesen, 2024; Sivertsson et al., 2023). Holistic, community-based approaches that offer comprehensive support to families can reduce these risks and open pathways for rehabilitation and reintegration.

For instance, research in Nordic contexts has demonstrated that improving educational and employment prospects for both parents and children can significantly decrease the likelihood of future criminal behavior (Sivertsson et al., 2023; Fallesen, 2024). Additionally, programs that target transitional life phases, such as the shift to parenthood, can be particularly impactful in preventing the continuation of criminal patterns (Fallesen, 2024). By investing in early, sustained, and family-centered interventions, policymakers and practitioners can foster environments that promote resilience and positive change.

Conclusion

The interplay of family dynamics, parental behaviors, and environmental influences constructs a complex web that shapes the risk of intergenerational crime and recidivism. Contemporary research underscores the importance of addressing both the direct and indirect pathways through which criminal tendencies are transmitted within families (Wojciechowski, 2025; Barnert et al., 2023). By focusing on the root causes, offering sustained support and intervention, and nurturing positive familial relationships, it is possible to break the cycle of crime and support individuals in building safer, more inclusive futures. Committing to a comprehensive and compassionate approach will provide the foundation for generational transformation and societal well-being.

References

Barnert, E. S., Schlichte, L. M., Tolliver, D. G., La Charite, J., Biely, C., Dudovitz, R., Leifheit, K., Russ, S., Sastry, N., Yama, C., Slavich, G. M., & Schickedanz, A. (2023). Parents’ Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences and Offspring Involvement With the Criminal Legal System. JAMA Network Open, 6(10), e2339648. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.39648

Ciydem, E., & Demirbilek, Z. S. (2025). Understanding Intergenerational Transmission of Physical and Emotional Abuse Through the Experiences and Perceptions of Abuse Victims. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 34(5), 738–760. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2025.2491767

Daquin, J. C., Clipper, S. J., Rude, A., & Daigle, L. E. (2023). Family incarceration and prison adaptation: Investigating the impact of family incarceration history on prison misconduct. Journal of Criminal Justice, 86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2023.102031

Fallesen, P. (2024). Criminal justice involvement, transition to fatherhood, and the demographic foundation of the intergenerational transmission of crime. Acta Sociologica (United Kingdom), 67(2), 164–182. https://doi.org/10.1177/00016993231198334

Nissinen, I., Latvala, A., Suonpää, K., Aaltonen, M., & Martikainen, P. (2024). Parental incarceration and offspring criminality: A Finnish total population study with sibling comparison. Journal of Criminal Justice, 95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2024.102275

Noel, M. E., & Najdowski, C. J. (2022). Caregivers’ Expectations, Reflected Appraisals, and Arrests among Adolescents Who Experienced Parental Incarceration. Youth & Society, 54(7), 1099–1125. https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118X20951068

Sivertsson, F., Carlsson, C., & Hoherz, A. (2023). Is There a Long-Term Criminogenic Effect of the Exposure to a Paternal Conviction During Upbringing? An Analysis of Full Siblings Using Swedish Register Data. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 39(1), 53–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10940-021-09529-2

Spapens, T., & Moors, H. (2020). Intergenerational transmission and organised crime. A study of seven families in the south of the Netherlands. Trends in Organized Crime, 23(3), 227–241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12117-019-09363-w

Wojciechowski, T. (2025). Examining Parent Criminal History as a Predictor of Recidivism From a Life-course Perspective: Testing for Age-differing Salience in Effects. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 50(1), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-024-09780-w

Wojciechowski, T. (2025). Examining Parent Criminal History as a Predictor of Recidivism From a Life-course Perspective: Testing for Age-differing Salience in Effects. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 50(1), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-024-09780-w