Loeber’s Multiple Pathways Model

Loeber’s Multiple Pathways Model
I agree with Loeber’s multiple pathways model, as various ways may lead to delinquency. Loeber’s model focuses on different development sequences during the life of youths across different age groups. Based on the three developmental pathways given, it is fair to agree with the authors that those who indulge in all paths are more likely to engage in violent behavior and recidivism. Loeber’s model defines these pathways in three categories, including early authority conflict, covert pathway, and overt pathway (Loeber et al., 1993). By the age of 16, offenders were either on all routes or on both covert and overt pathways. Those who exhibited authority conflict during early ages were not always likely to escalate to the other paths. I believe that if intervention happens during the authority conflict pathway, it is easier to prevent violent behavior among individuals. Loeber claims that progressive acts of rebellion cause delinquency, concealing of problems, peer pressure, arrests, and finally, criminal recidivism.
One well-known individual who traveled down this path is Jack “Legs” Diamond. He was an infamous Irish American gangster who was no stranger to crime (Ferranti, 2018). At the age of 15, he joined a gang called Hudson Dusters, and a year later was arrested for robbing a jewelry store. This was his first among many encounters with the criminal justice system. After his release, he formed a gang that offered illegal protection to those who needed it. He then went ahead to make drug deals and organize kidnapping services by the age of 33. A year later, he met his death while at his mistress’ apartment moments after being acquitted of kidnapping charges. This clearly is a case that relates to Loeber’s multiple pathways since Jack began his wayward ways at an early age. His escalations are clear as they can be seen to cut across the three pathways.

References
Ferranti, S. (2018). Jack ‘Legs’ Diamond was Very Hard to Kill. Retrieved from https://www.ozy.com/true-and-stories/jack-legs-diamond-was-very-hard-to-kill/85109/
Loeber, R., Wung, P., Keenan, K., Giroux, B., Stouthamer-Loeber, M., Van Kammen, W. B., & Maugham, B. (1993). Developmental pathways in disruptive child behavior. Development and psychopathology, 5(1-2), 103-133.