The set of the structural-functional theories are among the most widespread perspectives on the juvenile delinquency. The group of the theories regards that the behavior of the underage delinquent is caused by the breakdown of the social process that consequently results in the increase of conformity (Thompson & Bynum, 2016). The group of theories presumably blame institutions that are responsible for the socialization of the young delinquents for the way the socialize the individuals by causing them to conform to the values of the society. One of the central theories of the juvenile delinquency is the anomie theory that is rooted in the early studies by the sociologist Emile Durkheim.
What are juvenile delinquents? Juvenile delinquents are basically teen criminals. In other words, they are young kids that commit crimes that defers from the normal criminal justice system. These young delinquents have different punishments then adults do in the criminal justice system. the criminal justice system is different from children than adults mainly to prevent juveniles from committing more of deviance and to give them a chance to turn their life around.
A child is born with purity and innocence. Nurturing child is a crucial in every child’s life and if given proper care and attention in right way after that child grows in constructive manner. Children show good performance when children’s surrounding environment is positive and supportive towards them. Child’s physical, psychological, moral and spiritual development builds them competent of become conscious to understand their capabilities. On the other side, detrimental environment, lack of basic needs, poor parenting supervision, other factors may turn a child to a delinquent i.e.a juvenile delinquent.
Juvenile delinquents diagnosed with mental/conduct disorders Juvenile delinquents are often diagnosed different disorders. Around six to sixteen percent of male teens and two to nine percent of female teens have a conduct disorder. These can vary from oppositional-defiant disorder, which is not necessarily aggressive, to antisocial personality disorder, often diagnosed among psychopaths. A conduct disorder can develop during childhood and then manifest itself during adolescence.
Introduction Juvenile delinquency has become a major area of social spotlight in recent years and the Social Bond(Control) Theory proffered by Travis Hirschi has been one of the prevalent theoretical perspectives adopted in explaining juvenile delinquency. The theory, instead of stressing what lures individuals to commit crime, the theory places focus on what restrains people from doing so (Özbay &Özcan, 2006; Cheung& Cheung,2008). Hirschi (1969) put forward that self-control as the key force that constrains people from law-breaking acts and social bonds are positively associated with self-control. For instance, stronger social bonds would mean higher self-control among individuals and vice versa.
In learning about Juvenile delinquency and theories on why delinquency occurs, I found that the choice theory was most applicable to a variety of juveniles and the reason why they choose to commit crimes. The choice theory suggests that “Juvenile offenders are rational decision makers who choose to engage in antisocial activity because they believe their actions will be beneficial”. (Siegel and Welsh, 2016, p. 58) It is my opinion, that most juveniles do have the ability to think for themselves and weigh the pros and the cons to committing a crime. I liked this theory most because I strongly agree that in the majority of juvenile delinquency cases, the act is a product of choice.
The premise of recidivism is based on two elements which are the perpetration of crime and a juvenile who repeatedly commits a crime. In criminology, Recidivism is defined as “the return to the previous criminal habits, especially after a conviction” According to the Analysis Report on the recidivism rate of children in penitentiary, that children who engage in criminal acts in a younger age and are immediately placed in detention facilities is more likely to become recidivists. Moreover, poor living conditions, family relations, education, employment are one common profile of recidivists. The report also recommended that social department and partner organizations to provide intensive programs for recidivists’ juveniles.
Introduction Child and juvenile delinquency is a problem that affects every member within a community directly or indirectly. Whether it be having a family member who is a delinquent or having to pay more in taxes to cover the expenses associated with child and juvenile delinquency. In this paper I will highlight the prevalence and development of child delinquency, review the risk and protective factors, and end with the need for more and accessible treatment, services, and intervention programs. Prevalence and Development of Child Delinquency
It is well known in America that gangs are problematic. The Federal Bureau of Investigations estimates there are approximately 1.4 million gang members in the United States which includes prison gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and criminal street gangs. This statistic is probably grossly underestimated because of inconsistencies in reporting gangs and gang members from state to state. Even with those estimates, gangs are responsible for a large amount of crime in America. To avoid the growing street gang problem, we should focus our efforts on gang prevention at an early age.
Numerous studies have shown that domestic violence has a huge impact on children and teenagers and can lead to internal and external behavioral problems. These can include aggression, anxiety and depression. When children are exposed to violence or abuse, it affects them tremendously when they become teenagers. Adolescence is a time when a person is figuring out who they are and their self-esteem will develop either confidently or not so confidently. When abuse has been in the picture, it is very difficult for an adolescence to develop to their full potential and delinquency can occur.