Revisiting the Generality of Deviance

This paper reframes the generality debate around the crimes individuals are unwilling to commit. It is suggested most individuals do prefer some crimes over others; however, this preference revolves not around crime type, but the (un)seriousness of the act. It is hypothesized that those who engage in minor deviance have a low probability of committing any serious crimes—they are “bad” but not that bad. However, individuals who commit serious offenses will have a high probability of committing most forms of minor deviance. Using data from the NYS and Pathways to Desistance, findings indicate individuals are less “general” in offending than often suggested, but there is little evidence of specialization in types of crime. Rather, individuals who commit serious crimes have a high probability of committing all forms of minor delinquency but those who engage in minor delinquency have a low probability of committing any serious crimes.