Theories Into The Cause Of Juvenile Delinquency — страница 5

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delinquent. Smith and Paternoster, however, suggested that the majority of empirical tests have used male subjects in order to study deviance. Because of this, female theories are not as readily known or understood. This does not mean that the same theories do not apply to females. It only means that the theorists are uncertain whether they are the same or different theories (Mears, et al, 1998). Criminologist Sutherland posited that “delinquency is learned behavior and that it is learned in intimate social groups through face-to-face interaction” (251). Mears, et al (1998) suggested that Sutherland was a proponent of differential association, which is a Social Deviance Theory. There are many who share this viewpoint with Sutherland (Mears, et al, 1998). According to Skinner

and Fream (1997), there is a social theory analysis that can be associated with computer crime among college students. The two are able to show “that measures of differential association, differential reinforcement and punishment, definitions, and sources of imitation are significantly related to computer crime” (495). This compares to the data that Hollinger gathered, and explains why “social learning theory is an appropriate and useful theoretical perspective for understanding why college students commit illegal computer acts” (Skinner & Fream, 1997, 495). C. Wright Mills was a theorist. According to Chasin (1990), “C. Wright Mills was a radical, critical of United States society and of sociology as practiced in this country” (337). In the middle of the century,

Mills’ criticism was found provocative, although influential. A great many people read his views. Although Mills was a pessimistic, he was able to urge those with knowledge to look to fundamental social change. Mills was ale to inspire a great many in the field of sociology (Chasin, 1990). According to Akers (1996), “Sutherland’s differential association theory has long been criticized as a ‘cultural deviance’ theory, and the critics have continued to apply this same designation to the theory’s social-learning reformulation by Akers” (229-247). Differential association and social learning theory is the same thing. They fall under the heading of Social Deviance Theory. Socialization is not always completely successful as Sutherland would suggest. There are individual

differences in deviance; not all members of the same group act in the same manner. Because of this, Akers posits that crime has no single causative factor(Akers 229-247). According to Warr (1993), criminologists have long recognized the importance of family and peers in the etiology of delinquency, but these two influences are commonly analyzed in isolation. However, if peers are treated as potential instigators of delinquency (following differential association theory) and parents as potential barriers to delinquency (following control theory), a crucial question emerges: Is parental influence capable of counteracting the influence of delinquent peers? When a child spends time with his/her family the influence of his/her peers is reduced. Data from the National Youth Survey

confirms this, in fact (Warr, 1993). Peer influence can drastically change a child. Juvenile delinquency is seen as a serious problem in the American society. Students in sociology and criminology need to be grounded in the reasons behind this widespread occurrence. From the viewpoint of a liberal democratic person, there are several possible theories into the cause of juvenile delinquency. One of those theories is conflict theory. Conflict Theory is, basically, the theory that because of conflicts (strife, struggles, disagreements), the juvenile becomes a delinquent individual. Labeling theory is the theory that by calling someone something, i. e. giving him or her a label such as juvenile delinquent, the person is stereotyped into conforming to that label. Differential

association is the theory that focuses on the processes by which juveniles come to commit acts that are delinquent. This theory posits that criminal behavior is learned by interaction with others with whom he/she associates. A person can go to a juvenile facility and see evidence of both Social Deviance Theory and Developmental Theory. The juvenile delinquent, in many ways, has become a product of society. Society has allowed the conflict, the labeling, the differential association, etc. The liberals understand this concept. In order to stop juvenile delinquency, several things must be done. The child must be given a good label. He/she will continue to exhibit bad behavior as long as he/she is wearing the label of a delinquent. Children must be kept from associating with known