...Chapter 7. DELINQUENCY Juvenile among young people, as they negotiate the transition from childhood to adulthood in an increasingly complex and confusing world, is the issue that this chapter first examines. Some basic assumptions relating to delinquent behaviour are presented, followed by a description of the various factors underlying or contributing to this phenomenon. Some regional variations are highlighted. Effective approaches and measures for preventing juvenile delinquency are detailed, with particular attention given to the development of educational, professional development and community programmes, improvements in family relations and parenting skills, and the value of restorative justice for both perpetrators and victims. The chapter concludes with a summary and recommendations for future action. Delinquent and criminal behaviour For many young people today, traditional patterns guiding the relationships and transitions between family, school and work are being challenged. Social relations that ensure a smooth process of socialization are collapsing; lifestyle trajectories are becoming more varied and less predictable. The restructuring of the labour market, the extension of the maturity gap (the period of dependence of young adults on the family) and, arguably, the more limited opportunities to become an independent adult are all changes influencing relationships with family and friends, educational opportunities and choices, labour market participation...
Words: 10941 - Pages: 44
...Chapter 7. DELINQUENCY Juvenile among young people, as they negotiate the transition from childhood to adulthood in an increasingly complex and confusing world, is the issue that this chapter first examines. Some basic assumptions relating to delinquent behaviour are presented, followed by a description of the various factors underlying or contributing to this phenomenon. Some regional variations are highlighted. Effective approaches and measures for preventing juvenile delinquency are detailed, with particular attention given to the development of educational, professional development and community programmes, improvements in family relations and parenting skills, and the value of restorative justice for both perpetrators and victims. The chapter concludes with a summary and recommendations for future action. Delinquent and criminal behaviour For many young people today, traditional patterns guiding the relationships and transitions between family, school and work are being challenged. Social relations that ensure a smooth process of socialization are collapsing; lifestyle trajectories are becoming more varied and less predictable. The restructuring of the labour market, the extension of the maturity gap (the period of dependence of young adults on the family) and, arguably, the more limited opportunities to become an independent adult are all changes influencing relationships with family and friends, educational opportunities and choices, labour market participation, leisure...
Words: 10924 - Pages: 44
...Underlying Assumption The social control theory developed by Ivan Nye in 1958 discusses how having norms, values and customs prevent juveniles from committing delinquent acts. Structure of Theory Social control theory has four types of control. The first control is direct, which is treatment that is enforced for disobedient behavior by authority (parent or family member) (Parks 2013). An example of direct is a parent or guardian threaten to take away the juvenile’s video games for fighting a classmate in school. The second control is internal, which a juvenile abstains from any crime (Parks 2013). A juvenile does not commit a crime because he or she knowns it is not the right thing to do, and the juvenile have seen someone commit a crime that disappointed their family. The third control is indirect, which a juvenile would refrain from committing such act if a family member or authority will be disappointed in his or her actions (Kierkus, Baer 2002). The fourth control is satisfaction. If a juvenile has everything he or she wants in their household, he or she will not commit a delinquent act. The juvenile parent or parents could spoil the child, so they do not need anything. Strength...
Words: 401 - Pages: 2
...Contents Page No. * Introduction 02 * Objectives 03 * Methodology 03 * Description of Juvenile delinquency 03 * Causes of Juvenile delinquency in Bangladesh 06 * Prevention of Juvenile delinquency in Bangladesh 13 * Conclusion 17 * References 19 * Introduction: Juvenile delinquency is one of the most prominent problems today throughout the world especially in developing countries as Bangladesh. It is seems that traditional patterns of guiding the relationships and transition between family, school and work are being challenged. Social relations that ensure a smooth process of socialization are collapsing and lifestyle is becoming more dynamic and less predictable. The reformation of the labour market, the extension of the maturity gap and the limited opportunities to become an independent adult are all changes influencing relationships with family and friends. Also, educational opportunities and choices, labour market participation, leisure activities and lifestyles often create hindrance in the way of developing adolescence normal behaviour. There are some new pressures that influence on young people while undergoing the transition from childhood to independence. The factors which create a bridge with the way of getting delinquent in Bangladesh are rapid population growth, the unavailability of housing and support services, poverty, unemployment and underemployment among youth, the...
Words: 5300 - Pages: 22
...probation officer is to monitor the behaviours of offenders so that they cannot engage in any further criminal activity. This is done by setting up regular meetings with the offenders and their family members. They work with other agencies that are community based to try and help offenders with a range of services such as employment, housing, and so on. A young offender is a young person that has been convicted or cautioned for a criminal offence. The criminal justice system often deals with young offenders to adult offenders. The term young offender is applied to different age group depending on the age of criminal responsibility. In the United Kingdom there are three separate and distinct criminal justice systems; in England and Wales the age set for young offenders is 10 years and in Scotland the age for criminal responsibility is set at 12 (need citation). II. In a study conducted by Brookins and Hirsch (2002) entitled “Innocence Lost: Case Studies of Children in the Juvenile Justice System” the two talks about how the juvenile justice system is ineffective in working with young juveniles in helping them integrate with their families and communities based on reports. They pointed out the juvenile justice system lacks in providing information on the young offenders and family backgrounds as well as their efforts in engaging justice and social services to them over time. In addition, there seems to have a downward age trend in juvenile cases, the youngest being a six-year...
Words: 818 - Pages: 4
...To what extent can control theory explain juvenile delinquency? (15 marks) Control theories argue that individuals have the potential and opportunity to perpetrate delinquent or criminal offenses, but usually refrain from such behaviour because of fear and social constraint. The control theory is used to explain as to why people don’t engage in other deviant behaviours. This is an act that deviates from the norms and value set by the society. Hirschi, a criminologist view of social control is the assumption that persons will engage in delinquent behaviour when their "social bond" to society is weakened. He shares a similar view to Durkheim which he state that social order is based on shared values and socialisation occurs through institution integrating into society. However, control theory takes the opposite approach from other theories in criminology. Instead, Hirschi want to explain as to why people do not commit crime. According to Hirschi, norms emerge to deter deviant behaviour, leading to conformity and groups. He believes that people will conform to a group when they believe they have more to gain from conformity than by deviance. Hirschi argued a person follows norms because they have a bond with society. These social bonds have four elements: opportunity, attachment, belief, and involvement. When any one of these bonds is weakened or broken a person is more likely to act in defiance. In Hirschi’s view, attachment measures our connection to others. When we are...
Words: 568 - Pages: 3
...Critically assess the claim that juvenile delinquency was legislated into existence in the nineteenth century. After a few preliminary comments contextualising the claim, I will; 1. Explore the changes in Legislation and Law enforcement agencies in the early to mid-nineteenth century focusing on the ways in which they contributed to the development of the concept of ‘juvenile delinquency’. 2. Consider the arguments of nineteenth century social investigators and reformers and their influence both on the legislative process and on the construction of the concept of juvenile delinquency. 3. Finally and by way of a conclusion, briefly discuss the broader social economic and political context of nineteenth century reforms in order to suggest that whilst legislation is important, the claim in the question overstates its significance. The idea that there can be a juvenile delinquent is impossible without the concept of childhood as a distinct phase of individual growth and development. ‘Childhood’ has become a universal category; a status which affords particular rights, for example those outlined in agreements between states such as the universal declaration of the rights of the child. This recognition of the special status of ‘childhood’ is a social construct (Hendrick, 2002). We may take our understanding of what it is to be a child for granted as ‘natural’ but it is not until the late middle ages that a period and morality of childhood began to be distinguished...
Words: 2794 - Pages: 12
...goals and the means of achieving? Is this because they were written off as delinquents at school? Are these crimes a result of being labelled a murderer or a hooligan? Is the inequality in the capitalist world responsible for these people’s actions? This essay will look at biological, physiological and sociological perspectives to consider why people commit crimes. Deviance can be defined as behaviour that differs from the normal and is subjected to public disapproval. What is labelled as deviant is relative and will clearly differ between cultures. Similarly what is seen as deviant behaviour changes over time, it was once deviant to bear a child out of wed lock but over time it is now considered to be the norm. Lastly deviance is subjective depending on location for example it would be considered to be deviant to chant, shout and walk around topless at your local supermarket but this is considered the norm at a football match (Harlambous and Holborn, 2004). Crime can be defined as breaking the laws of the land. Crime is distinct from deviance, although crimes tend to be deviant behaviour, not all crime is deviant. For example, many people ignore 30mph hour laws and this is a crime however it is not considered deviant (Taylor et al). There...
Words: 3001 - Pages: 13
...The problem of juvenile crime Juvenile delinquency refers to two types of law violations committed by minors: that which is illegal for both youths and adults such as homicide, rape, theft, or selling drugs, and so-called status offences, ungovernable behaviour that is illegal until the age of adulthood, such as truancy, runaway, alcohol use, or teen sexual relations. In most states the legal status of being a juvenile ends at 18; some states specify 16. Most states have waiver provisions whereby juveniles charged with serious felonies can be prosecuted as adults. What forces account for the escalation in juvenile crime? One factor is the decline of the family as an instrument of social control. Families are the focal point for the prevention of violence, drug abuse, and delinquency. A related problem is substance abuse. Serious drug abuse by youths is significantly related to crime. The higher the level of substance abuse, the greater the involvement in delinquency. The deterioration of inner-city neighborhoods is another contributing factor. Fear of crime itself has destroyed the economy in some neighborhoods; few entrepreneurs open business in high-crime areas. The middle classes have fled to the suburbs. As a result young people are not adequately exposed to the work ethic. Informal networks of church and community groups are drained of their most prominent middle-class members. The destruction of the legitimate economy makes illegal gains from crime even more attractive...
Words: 292 - Pages: 2
...Challenge: Select and describe a “moral panic” against a perceived deviance. Analyse the role of the “moral entrepreneur” and “folk devil” in your selected case. Finally, explicate what it demonstrates about individuals and their socialization. (Length: 2 000 words) Societies tend to view the youth as the future and hope of a nation. To a certain extent, societies observe the behaviours and potential of the young people to ‘estimate’ the political and socio-economic future of a nation. When there is what societies view as a deviance from the norm when in it comes to young people – often there is what is viewed as a ‘moral panic’. I will be looking at the ‘moral panic’ of youth crime or juvenile delinquency, the role of its ‘moral entrepreneurs’ and ‘folk devils’ and what it demonstrates about individuals and their socialization. Over the centuries there has been numerous Moral Panics. With moral Panics come moral entrepreneurs, and folk devils which entice and fuel the moral panic thus influencing society and creating exaggerated panic. Moral Panic A moral panic may be defined as an episode, often triggered by alarming media stories and reinforced by reactive laws and public policy, of exaggerated or misdirected public concern, anxiety, fear, or anger over a perceived threat to social order. A moral panic refers to the reaction of the public based on a belief that a group poses danger to the society; they discriminate this particular group as a huge threat to their...
Words: 1603 - Pages: 7
...Who is to be blamed for Juvenile Delinquency? suggests juvenile delinquency refers to crimes committed by children and youth. There is an ongoing discussion as to who should be held responsible for such crimes in scholarly publications , case law and the media (Brank et al, 2006; Brown et al, 2009). The responsibility for juvenile delinquency is usually associated with the delinquent (Economist, 1993), parents (Brank et al, 2006), the educational institutions (Brown et al, 2009) as well as the society, media and culture (Doi, 1998; Jones, 2008). According to the Economist (1993) Britain's most notorious juvenile offender and child-murderer was Mary Bell, who was found guilty of strangling two boys, one aged three and another one aged four, while the offender was only 11 years of age herself. Who shall be held responsible for such crimes? Who could be seen as accountable for such occurrences? This essay will look at those stakeholders in the situation that could be at least partly blamed for such occurrences. with the person committing the crime. This theory suggests that the responsibility for crimes in general should be with the individual offender (Home Office, 2010). According to the said source the rational choice perspective “assumes that offenders seek to benefit in some way from their offending behavior. Rational choice theory therefore portrays offenders as active decision makers who undertake a cost-benefit analysis of presenting crime opportunities” (Home Office...
Words: 1522 - Pages: 7
...OVER – REPRESENTATIO OF INDEGINEOUS PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA. AYOM MAAN STUDENT 8403295: SUBJECTS: JSB 371 INTRODUCTION Over –representation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system is well established. Although the extent of the over-representation is the subject of some disagreement and varies between communities and data (Ghys 1994: 132-137). the issue of Indigenous over-representation is not always at the forefront of public debate. It often takes high profile inquires, or tragic incidents to put the issue on the front pages of newspapers One document that highlights the high rates of over-representation is The Royal commission into Aboriginal death in custody, which was established in October 1987. This inquiry was mainly established to investigate the death of ninety-nine Indigenous people who died in custody over a period of nearly ten years. Despite the fact that, the issue of Indigenous over-representation is not an issue that occupies the minds of most people in Australia on a regular basis, it is a phenomenon which continues to have devastating effects on Indigenous people nation-wide, especially those who resided in rural areas. Reference: National report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Death in custody vol.2 (p.3): History and Legislation Indigenous communities in Australia had and continue to have very different cultural notions in relation to childhood and young Aboriginal people in the past. Generally there is no the same separation or exclusion...
Words: 2764 - Pages: 12
...When a French social worker was recently asked what he considered the most valuable attitude in working with juvenile delinquents, he replied: ‘The ability to accept failure-and still go right ahead.’ W e should not delude ourselves that there are any short, swift or easy solutions. Delinquent behaviour is not a twenty-four hour malady that affects a child as a virus does. The preceding chapter has pointed out how complex, and how deeply set, some of the motivations towards juvenile delinquency can be. Since a child does not become delinquent on the spur of the moment but as the result of a long and intricate series of reactions, any realistic plan to help that child will not be an easy one. Any person, or any community, who hopes to change a specific delinquency problem must accept the fact that it is a long and thoughtful process, often one of discouragement and delay. It is expensive in terms of money, time and effort. It need hardly be pointed out, however, that the results of delinquency are twice as costly. From all our knowledge of delinquents and delinquency, there is no reassuring evidence of a formula or recipe for prevention. What emerges clearly, from many studies and reports and surveys, is that delinquent behaviour must be the concern of the entire community, not just dismissed as a problem to be handled by local schools, churches, police courts or professional agencies. It should be recognized as their problem by the citizens of a community even when their own children...
Words: 8434 - Pages: 34
...Introduction Introduction to Social Problem Certain adverse situations that may have harmful consequences may affect societies. They may hinder the normal functioning of the society. Such harmful situations are known as social problems. These problems arise because every society has certain norms and values. When these norms and values are violated, they result in social problems. They are problems because such deviation of norms and values are dysfunctional in the society. Some of the examples of social problems are drug addiction, terrorism, youth unrest, juvenile delinquency, corruption, offences against women, environmental degradation, etc. However, not all violations of social norms and values result in social problems. For example, when a person sports an unusual hairstyle it does not become a social problem. Similarly, social problem may vary with time and over space. Smoking was not considered a social problem earlier. At present with the rising health consciousness, smoking is considered a major social problem. Similarly, sati was not considered as a problem in the medieval India. However, in modern India it is seen as a social problem. A society may consider a certain practice as a social problem where as it may not be a problem in another society. This is because the norms and values are not the same in all the societies. Divorce may be seen as a serious problem in some societies, but it may not be so in other societies. However, there are certain practices that...
Words: 1574 - Pages: 7
...usefulness in understanding youth crime and anti-social behaviour in Britain today. Outline labelling theory and consider its usefulness in understanding youth crime and anti-social behaviour in Britain today. Labelling theory claims that deviance and conformity results not so much from what people do but from how others respond to those actions, it highlights social responses to crime and deviance Macionis and Plummer, (2005).Deviant behaviour is therefore socially constructed. This essay will describe in full the labelling theory and comment on the importance of the theory to the deviant behaviour of the youth and the anti-social behaviour of the youth in Britain today. The labelling theory becomes dominant in the early 1960s and the late 1970s when it was used as a sociological theory of crime influential in challenging orthodox positivity criminology. The key people to this theory were Becker and Lement.The foundations of this view of deviance are said to have been first established by Lement, (1951) and were subsequently developed by Becker, (1963).As a matter of fact the labelling theory has subsequently become a dominant paradigm in the explanation of devience.The symbolic interaction perspective was extremely active in the early foundations of the labelling theory. The labelling theory is constituted by the assumption that deviant behaviour is to be seen not simply as the violation of a norm but as any behaviour which is successfully defined or labelled as deviant...
Words: 2208 - Pages: 9
