Juvenile Table Assignment 2 Learners' Name Combating Juvenil

Juvenile Table Assignment2learners Namecombating Juve

Juvenile Table Assignment 2 Learner’s Name Combating Juvenile Delinquency Professor’s Name September 26, 202#

Juvenile Delinquent Behavior Criminology Theory: Psychological/Sociological Theories Psychological Theories Criminology Theory Define the Theory (Define each theory listed in the first column.) Match the Child to the Theory (Using the following link, review each profile and select a child that aligns to each theory: Crime Library Website, located at . ) Explain Why You Chose the Theory (For each child that you matched to the theory, explain why you chose this theory.) Psychodynamic Theory Behavioral Theory Moral Development Theory Personality Theory Sociological Theories Cultural Deviance Theory Strain Theory Social Control Theory

Paper For Above instruction

Juvenile delinquency remains a significant concern within the realm of criminology, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the various theories that explain the behavior of juvenile offenders. This paper explores key psychological and sociological theories pertinent to juvenile delinquency, matches hypothetical juvenile profiles to these theories, and provides rationales based on behavioral characteristics and background profiles from the Crime Library Website.

Psychological Theories

1. Psychodynamic Theory

The psychodynamic theory, rooted in Freudian principles, posits that juvenile delinquency results from unresolved internal conflicts, often stemming from childhood experiences and unconscious drives. It emphasizes the influence of early childhood relationships, particularly with parents and caregivers, which may shape personality development and behavior (Freud, 1923). Juveniles acting out behaviors may be expressing suppressed feelings or unresolved conflicts such as poor attachment or trauma.

2. Behavioral Theory

The behavioral theory asserts that delinquent behaviors are learned responses reinforced through interactions with the environment. Through operant conditioning, juveniles learn to associate certain actions with positive outcomes (rewards) or negative consequences (punishment). For example, a juvenile who receives peer approval for vandalism may continue such acts (Reinforcement, Skinner, 1953).

Sociological Theories

1. Cultural Deviance Theory

This theory suggests that juvenile delinquency arises from the values and norms of subcultures that differ from mainstream society. Youths immersed in environments where deviant norms are prevalent may adopt behaviors aligned with those values, such as gang activities or substance abuse (Miller, 1958).

2. Strain Theory

Strain theory posits that juvenile delinquency occurs when individuals experience dissonance between societal goals and the means available to achieve them. When youths feel blocked from legitimate opportunities, they may turn to delinquency as an alternative pathway. For example, a youth unable to access higher education may join a gang to gain status (Merton, 1938).

3. Social Control Theory

Social control theory emphasizes the importance of social bonds and institutions in preventing delinquency. Strong attachments to family, school, and community serve as protective factors. Juveniles with weakened bonds are more prone to deviant behaviors (Hirschi, 1969).

Matching Juvenile Profiles to Theories and Rationales

Using the Crime Library website, a hypothetical profile of a juvenile was reviewed. The first profile depicts a youth from a troubled family environment with poor supervision, involvement in peer deviant subcultures, and early behavioral problems. Based on this profile:

• Theory Matched: Psychological/Sociological Theories – specifically, the Psychodynamic and Cultural Deviance theories.
• Rationale: The juvenile exhibits signs of unresolved childhood conflicts (psychodynamic aspect), possibly stemming from familial issues, and has adopted deviant behaviors aligned with peer group norms (cultural deviance). The combination suggests that both internal psychological factors and external cultural influences contribute to delinquency in this case.

Another hypothetical profile features a youth with a strong family bond but who faces academic failure and economic hardship:

• Theory Matched: Strain Theory
• Rationale: The youth faces significant societal and economic pressures, feeling blocked from legitimate means to achieve societal success, leading to adopting delinquent or rebellious behaviors as an alternative route.

A third profile describes a juvenile involved in gang violence with a history of peer rejection and weak family attachments:

• Theory Matched: Social Control Theory
• Rationale: The juvenile's weak social bonds and lack of supervision or attachment to prosocial institutions have left them vulnerable to peer pressure and involvement in gangs, which exemplifies the importance of social controls in preventing delinquency.

  Conclusion

  Understanding juvenile delinquency through these various theories provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of youth crime. By analyzing individual profiles against these theories, practitioners can develop targeted interventions that address psychological issues, modify environmental factors, and strengthen social bonds. Effective prevention and treatment strategies require an integrated approach that considers the complex interplay of internal predispositions and external social influences.

  References

  • Freud, S. (1923). The Ego and the Id. SE, 19: 12-66.
  • Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. University of California Press.
  • Miller, W. B. (1958). lower class culture as a basis for delinquency. American Journal of Sociology, 64(4), 422-432.
  • Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
  • Reinforcement, Skinner, B.F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. New York: Macmillan.
  • Freud, S. (1923). The Ego and the Id. SE, 19: 12-66.
  • Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. University of California Press.
  • Miller, W. B. (1958). Lower class culture as a basis for delinquency. American Journal of Sociology, 64(4), 422-432.
  • Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
  • Skinnner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. Macmillan.