Juvenile Delinquency Theories - 2088 Words

Juvenile Delinquency Theories Through an understanding of causes of juvenile delinquency society may come to deal preventively with delinquency; certainly treatment of the offender needs to be based upon an understanding of the causal mechanisms that have produced him. In this paper well describe three theories of juvenile delinquency such as Social Learning Theory, General Strain Theory and Behavioral Theory and discuss appropriate preventive programs based upon these theories. In 1977 Albert Bandura, a Stanford University psychology professor, published Social Learning Theory, in which he postulated that human learning is a continuous reciprocal interaction of cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors. Sometimes called†¦show more content†¦Operant conditioning developed by Skinner is one of the learning methods according to which the likelihood of behavior is increased or decreased by the use of reinforcement or punishment. In case of positive reinforcement a certain behavior becomes stronger by the effect of experiencing some positive condition. In case of negative reinforcement a certain behavior becomes stronger by the outcome of stopping or staying away from some negative condition. In case of extinction a certain behavior is becomes weaker by the outcome of avoiding to experiencing some positive condition or stopping some negative condition. Negative and positive reinforcements and extinction strengthen certain kinds of behavior of individuals. Punishment is a big form of operant conditioning used all over the world. When people are punished, it is to decrease that certain behavior produced by the individual. Therefore, behavioral theory refers to conditioning which leads to different behavioral pattern of juvenile offenders. Preventive programs based on the social learning theory require placing an individual in favorable environment where he/she would be less tempted to imitate violent behavior. One of the examples of such environment is the social services of the church. The actual role of contemporary religion in delinquency prevention is not easy to evaluate. Its potential role is tremendous, but the fulfillment ofShow MoreRelatedTheories of Juvenile Delinquency703 Words   |  3 PagesTheories of Juvenile Delinquency Juvenile delinquency is a threat to society and accordingly, the need to develop an understanding of the deviant behavior is of an utmost importance. There are several theories that explain delinquency and collectively, they provide a greater understanding for administrators and policy makers that are essential in developing programs and treatments that reduce juvenile delinquency and minimize its impact on our societies. This paper will discuss two prominent theoriesRead MoreThe Theory Of Juvenile Delinquency889 Words   |  4 Pagescould such a terrifying act but researches how found a couple of theories that could be the possible reason for this chaos. The theories of delinquent life course pretty much is the backbone of many other more specific theories in the studying of juvenile delinquency. Next in the book is the latent trait theory, which explains the flow of delinquency over a lifetime. Finally the third theory is a mix of latent trait and life course theory which states there is more then one path to crime and more thanRead MoreTheories Of Juvenile Delinquency798 Words   |  4 Pages Gabrielle Earle CRJ3003 Juvenile Delinquency SU01 Professor Mia Briggs South University-Online Campus December 12, 2017 †¢ Provide brief descriptions of at least three theories. Include an analysis of how each theorist views delinquency and its causes. Clifford Shaw: Clifford Shaw applied Sutherland’s theory of systematic criminal behavior, and claimed that delinquency was not caused at the individual level, but is a normal response by normal individualsRead MoreThe Labeling Theory For Juvenile Delinquency1577 Words   |  7 PagesThe Labeling Theory The labeling theory addresses deviants and puts concern on behaviors that other theories do not. Most theories are primarily concerned with why individuals commit more crime. Rather than analyzing the occurrence of crimes among social groups, the labeling theory challenge us to truly understand deviants and what it means to be categorized as a deviant individual. Unlike the control theories that assumes all of us must be held in check or â€Å"controlled† if we are to resist the temptationRead MoreJuvenile Delinquency And The Social Control Theory940 Words   |  4 PagesJuvenile delinquency is very prevalent especially among adolescents because studies have shown that during the time of adolescence that is when delinquency tends to increase and once adolescence has passed at about 17 years of age then it tends to decrease (Adolescent Delinquency, 2002). There are many factors that can contribute to the increase of delinquency during adolescence, some of the factors can be pe rsonality, mental disorders, genetics, economic status, environment, family, and cultureRead MoreThe General Strain Theory And Juvenile Delinquency1715 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction The general strain theory is an established theory that provides a basic understanding relating to different elements leading to specific criminal behaviors. The theory has been of importance in trying to map criminal patterns among individuals involved in criminal behavior, thereby creating a platform for their rehabilitation. The general strain theory has had a close connection to juvenile delinquency, as it creates a platform where psychologists can define some of the key factorsRead MoreThe Pattern Of Juvenile Delinquency Is Strain Theory1156 Words   |  5 Pages Another relevant theory in regards to the pattern of juvenile delinquency is Strain Theory. In 1938, Robert Merton developed the theory of Strain to describe how social structures within society may pressure citizens (low socioeconomic status) to commit crimes. Merton felt that too much pressure to achieve goals, such as financial well-being, led to behaviors such as selling drugs. Merton’s theory relates to juvenile delinquency in that adolescents might experience overwhelming stress or pressureRead MoreRational Choice Theory For Juvenile Delinquency1774 Words   |  8 PagesChoice Theory The Rational Choice Theory, as more commonly referred to as Choice Theory, is a view as to why criminals commit crimes, and more importantly why juveniles choose to be delinquent. The problem of juvenile delinquency in keeping with this viewpoint, makes juvenile delinquency an individual problem and not a social problem. The Rational Choice theory will be detailed throughout this paper as well as the theory’s established ways in which the theorists believe juvenile delinquency can beRead MoreStrain Theory- An Explanation For Juvenile Delinquency Developed By Robert1055 Words   |  5 PagesCovington 22 October 2014 Prof. Joshua Wakeham I. Identifications 1. Strain Theory- An explanation for juvenile delinquency developed by Robert Merton in 1957. The Strain Theory focuses on the idea that Americans are expected to meet certain economic and social goals. Those who lack the means to carry out these goals turn to illegal ways to do so. Though this is true for many juveniles living below their means, the theory does not explain nonviolent crimes like white collar crimes. Also, manyRead MoreJuvenile Delinquency Theories Stem From An Array Of Individual,829 Words   |  4 PagesJuvenile Delinquency theories stem from an array of individual, social and environmental conditions, in so labeling certain causes as to why juveniles commit criminal acts. Juveniles are identified as minors-under the age of 18, in which are treated separately for criminal offenses. In the film Kids, delinquent behavior is constantly demonstrated throughout the progression of the film. The film depicts a group of sexually active teenagers in New York City. Many of the characters exhibited at-risk