A large-scale study in the US has found marriage and childbirth to be ‘turning points’ which trigger sharp declines in criminal offending and drug use among both men and women.
Researchers matched arrest records from the Washington Courts with birth certificates, marriage records, and divorce indexes in the state. Crimes involved in the study ranged from drug offences to murder.
Mothers
The study found that criminal offending of women decreased by 50% upon falling pregnant. The decline in offending was most significant in drug, alcohol and economic offences. Though the criminal activity of mothers tended to increase again following the birth of a child, they continued to offend at significantly lower levels than before falling pregnant. Researchers found that conception itself was the pivotal moment, rather than merely a decision to try and fall pregnant. The researchers also observed that childbirth was ‘transformative’ for mothers, and the drop in criminal offending was consistent with ‘forward-looking behaviour’.
Fathers
Criminal offending of expectant fathers declined by 25% at the onset of pregnancy. Most notably, there were large drops in drug offending among first-time fathers. Men also continue to offend at lower levels following the birth of the child.
What about second born children?
While there was some decline in offending around the birth of a second child, the drop was not as dramatic. The study found that the most significant cessation of offending occurred at the birth of the first child. Criminal offending of fathers was also less affected at the time of a second birth, declining only 10% compared to almost 30% at the conception of their first born.
Key Takeaways
- A large-scale study in the US found marriage and childbirth significantly reduce criminal offending and drug use among men and women.
- Women's criminal activities drop by 50% upon pregnancy, particularly in drug, alcohol, and economic offenses, with a continued but lessened decline after childbirth.
- Expectant fathers show a 25% reduction in criminal activities at the onset of pregnancy, with notable declines in drug offenses.
- Marriage leads to a 50% reduction in offending for both genders, especially in drug and economic crimes.
- These findings suggest that family formation events such as marriage and pregnancy act as major turning points towards better life choices and reduced criminal behavior.
Marriage has a significant impact
Marriage marked a 50% decline in offending for both men and women, with the most notable drop in drug and economic crimes.
Ultimately, the study proposes that family formation events such as marriage and pregnancy are important turning points, which spur drastic life improvements, strengthening social bonds and leading to a sharp decline in criminal offending for both men and women.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, you can contact the team at Hamilton Janke Lawyers 24/7 by calling 4038 1666.
Written By
James Janke
James Janke is founding partner at Hamilton Janke Lawyers, and has more then decade of experience as a Criminal Defence Lawyer. Admitted to both the Supreme Court of New South Wales and High Court of Australia
