This article deals with group dynamic processes. In particular it deals with behavioral adaptation. A theory will be presented about the group dynamic processes in which behavioral adaptation takes place. This theory will be used to analyze the delinquent behavior of a group of students. At the end of the article the group dynamic processes of the students will be contrasted with those of a group that seems to be very different, namely a group of ‘Moroccan’ street boys from Amsterdam. Differences become most visible in the reaction of the social environment towards the group behavior and the response of the group itself to this reaction. ‘Moroccan’ street boys respond to the negative reaction of the society with secondary deviance. They are caught up in a vicious circle of group dynamics from which the students manage to escape.

The number of homicides in the Netherlands has been stable for some time but decreased over the last few years. The aim of this study is first, to describe the recent trends in homicide in the Netherlands. Second, we aim to explain the reasons for this recent drop in homicide by using data from the Dutch Homicide Monitor that includes all homicides in the period 1992-2009. Findings suggest that the drop in homicide could be explained by a combination of factors, including change in situational characteristics, change in social cohesion and change in the degree of economic deprivation.

This explorative ethnographic study in a Dutch prison focuses on the way inmates with drug problems experience their incarceration, and how that influences their identity as ‘addict’. Respondents describe incarceration as a loss of control over their lives, while their drug problems are characterised by losing control as well. Therefore regaining control in order to overcome their drug problems renders more difficult during incarceration. It is argued that resistance strategies of detainees can give them a sense of control in a short-term perspective. This sense of control could be important for the possibility of changing identity from addict to non-addict during incarceration.

Research demonstrates moderate detrimental effects of lead and human health. Interesting from a criminological point of view is the association between lead and delinquent, criminal and aggressive behaviour. In this paper the possible causality of this association will be discussed.

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