Juvenile Delinquency Theories

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that it is often argued that juveniles are victims of circumstances and bad environments. Further, the writer points out that it is said that they come from "broken homes", "dysfunctional families", and "deteriorated neighborhoods" lacking any "internal community support". The writer discusses the relevance of this theory with the "rational" choice theory that criminal behavior is a matter of personal choice. The writer examines the issue of whether youths engage in criminal activities due to their dysfunctional environments or whether they thoughtfully plan, organize and rationalize their criminal activity. Social control and rational choice theories are compared to determine whether youths are victims of their environments or they specifically choose criminal activity regardless of their upbringings.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Youth Development
Theories Examined
Social Control Theory
Rational Choice Theory
Conclusion

From the Paper:

" Social control theory can provide explanations to why the majority of incarcerated youths are from poor environments. The theory is criticized for not explaining why juveniles from stable positive environments commit crimes. The concept of white collar criminals is somewhat contrary to social control theories. Youths have risen from poverty, dysfunctional families, poor schooling, deteriorated neighborhoods and criminal peers to become well functioning productive members of society. An unstable difficult environment does not necessarily produce juvenile delinquency as social control theorists would suggest. Numerous negative factors do affect whether a child becomes prone to criminal activity but there are no solid rules or clear explanations."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abadinsky, H. (2003). Organized crime. (7th ed.). Toronto, ON: Nelson Thomson Learning.
• Agnew, R. (2001). Juvenile delinquency. Causes and control. Los Angeles, CA: Roxbury Publishing Company.
• Allen, R. (2006). From punishment to problem solving. Centre for Crime and Justice Studies. London, England: King's College.
• Bartol, C. R. & Bartol, A. M. (2005). Criminal behavior. A psychosocial approach. (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
• Doob, A., & Cesaroni, C. (2004). Responding to youth crime in Canada. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press.

More papers on Juvenile Delinquency Theories:

• Research Paper # 62117 : "Social Problems and Juvenile Delinquency"
• Research Paper # 108125 : "Crime Issue of Juvenile Delinquency"
• Essay # 63749 : "Learning Disabilities and Juvenile Delinquency"

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