Module Overview

The module critically examines the related, yet often distinct, fields of recidivism and desistance. Desistance is a growing area of research within criminology, while recidivism is a more established area of research. There is a growing awareness that in order to understand one, it is necessary to have an understanding of the other. If we are to truly understand why an individual desists and to assist the desistance process, it is important to also understand why many individuals continue to offend. With this in mind the module will analyse the key issues for both of definition, measurement and methodology, and the ethical and methodological questions that arise. The aim of the module is to provide students with a critical insight and understanding of the process of recidivism and desistance and the key factors involved in both, by drawing on the relevant theoretical literature, both national and international. This will enable students to develop a critical understanding of the role of the criminal justice system in contributing to or reducing both recidivism and desistance. The module will be divided into three parts. The first part will focus on desistance, the second on recidivism and the final part will draw the two areas together