A hopeful image of a father and child walking towards a brighter future, symbolizing the breaking of intergenerational crime cycles.

Breaking the Cycle: How Understanding Fatherhood Can Reduce Juvenile Crime

Theo Raines in Law & Justice June 2025 • 5 min read.

"Exploring the crucial role of fathers in shaping the lives of their children and preventing criminal behavior."

For generations, societies have sought to understand and address the root causes of crime, particularly among young people. While numerous factors contribute to juvenile delinquency, one stands out as particularly influential: the role of fathers. A recent study conducted in Italy sheds new light on this critical connection, revealing the profound impact that fathers can have on their children's lives, both positively and negatively.

The research, led by Luca Pieroni and Donatella Lanari at the University of Perugia, delves into the criminal careers of young offenders, examining the extent to which fathers involved in the criminal justice system contribute to their children's likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. Using a unique dataset that tracks the antisocial behavior of a representative group of young Italian criminals aged 14 to 24, the study uncovers compelling evidence of a significant correlation between fathers' actions and their children's paths.

This article explores the key findings of the study, highlighting the nuanced ways in which fathers can influence their children's involvement in crime. From the transmission of criminal tendencies to the impact of paternal absence, we will examine the complex interplay of factors that shape the lives of young people and contribute to their decisions. By understanding these dynamics, we can pave the way for more effective interventions and prevention strategies that help break the cycle of crime and build brighter futures for at-risk youth.

The Father-Child Connection: What the Italian Study Reveals

A hopeful image of a father and child walking towards a brighter future, symbolizing the breaking of intergenerational crime cycles.

The Italian study's correlation estimates indicated that fathers involved in criminal activities predict significant recidivism rates by their children. This suggests that children are more likely to repeat offenses if their fathers have a criminal background. The research further explored how the transmission mechanisms of fathers, proxied through observable individual and family variables, influence this connection. The regression estimates showed that almost half the father-child correlation could not be explained by the controls, emphasizing the strength and complexity of the relationship.

Moreover, the study highlighted that when fathers were imprisoned, the correlation with their children's criminal behavior increased significantly, particularly for theft and drug-related crimes. This finding suggests that the forced absence of a father acts as a potential determinant of children's criminal careers. The absence can lead to numerous negative outcomes, including:

Reduced supervision and guidance
Financial strain on the family
Emotional distress and trauma for the child
Increased likelihood of associating with delinquent peers

These factors can create an environment in which children are more vulnerable to engaging in criminal activities. In contrast, the presence of a positive and supportive father figure can provide children with the guidance, stability, and resources they need to succeed, steering them away from a life of crime. Indeed, children who have a mentor or a significant figure often present a reduced propensity to engage in illegal acts. A father figure offers advice, sets boundaries, and provides emotional support.

Turning Research into Action: Building a Safer Future for Our Youth

The Italian study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between fathers and juvenile crime, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue to create safer and more supportive communities. By understanding the nuanced ways in which fathers can influence their children's lives, we can develop more effective interventions and prevention strategies that break the cycle of crime and empower young people to reach their full potential. The importance of investing in programs that support responsible fatherhood, strengthen families, and provide at-risk youth with positive role models and mentors can not be understated. When fathers and father figures know their roles, children are more prepared to become better adults.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1017/dem.2018.12, Alternate LINK

Title: The Role Of Fathers In The Criminal Careers Of Juveniles In Italy

Subject: Economics and Econometrics

Journal: Journal of Demographic Economics

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Authors: Luca Pieroni, Donatella Lanari

Published: 2018-10-17

Everything You Need To Know

According to the Italian study, what is the correlation between fathers' involvement in criminal activities and the likelihood of their children engaging in criminal behavior?

The Italian study by Luca Pieroni and Donatella Lanari at the University of Perugia indicates a notable correlation between fathers' criminal involvement and their children's likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. Children are more prone to repeat offenses if their fathers have a history of criminal behavior, according to the study's correlation estimates. The study further highlights the strength and complexity of the father-child relationship, as regression estimates suggest that almost half of this correlation remains unexplained by observable individual and family variables. This unexplained portion emphasizes the intricacies of the mechanisms through which fathers influence their children's paths.

How does the absence of a father, especially due to imprisonment, impact a child's likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior, according to the research?

The absence of fathers, particularly due to imprisonment, significantly increases the likelihood of children engaging in criminal behavior, especially in theft and drug-related crimes. This absence leads to reduced supervision, financial strain, and emotional distress for the child. These factors can foster an environment that increases the vulnerability of children. In contrast, a positive and supportive father figure provides guidance, stability, and resources, steering children away from a life of crime. The presence of mentors or significant figures further reduces the propensity to engage in illegal acts, because they offer advice, set boundaries, and provide emotional support.

What key strategies and interventions does the Italian study suggest to break the cycle of crime and support at-risk youth?

The Italian study highlights the importance of addressing the impact of fathers on juvenile crime to create safer communities. It underscores that effective interventions and prevention strategies should focus on supporting responsible fatherhood, strengthening families, and providing at-risk youth with positive role models. When fathers and father figures are actively involved and aware of their roles, children are more likely to develop into responsible adults. This approach emphasizes proactive measures to mitigate the negative influences and promote positive development in young people.

What are the broader economic implications of juvenile crime linked to the influence of fathers, even though the study did not quantify the specific costs?

The study led by Luca Pieroni and Donatella Lanari did not explicitly quantify the specific economic costs associated with juvenile crime linked to the influence of fathers. However, the research implies significant societal costs. The financial burden includes expenses related to law enforcement, judicial proceedings, incarceration, and social services. Furthermore, there are indirect costs such as lost productivity, healthcare expenses for victims, and the long-term economic impact on communities affected by crime. Addressing the root causes of juvenile crime, particularly the influence of fathers, can lead to long-term cost savings and a more productive society.

What specific intervention programs could be implemented to address the issues raised in the study regarding fathers and juvenile crime, considering that the study doesn't explicitly mention them?

While the Italian study conducted by Luca Pieroni and Donatella Lanari sheds light on the correlation between fathers and juvenile crime, it doesn't explicitly explore specific intervention programs. However, given the findings, effective interventions should focus on promoting responsible fatherhood through parenting skills training, counseling, and support services for fathers involved in the criminal justice system. These programs can provide fathers with the tools and resources necessary to become positive role models and support their children's development. Additionally, interventions should address the underlying factors contributing to paternal absence, such as poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse, through targeted support and resources for families. Mentorship programs and community initiatives can further provide at-risk youth with positive role models and opportunities for personal growth, reducing their likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.