Theories 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 theories, the choice theory and the learning theories
Choice Theories According to the choice theory, juveniles are rational beings that make a choice of committing an unlawful act on the basis of their evaluation of the risks and benefits derived from the behavior (Taylor, Fritsch, & Caeti, 2011). Should they evaluate a greater benefit than risk, then the behavior will occur. If the risks outweigh the benefits, then they are more likely to refrain from the unlawful behavior. In essence, the choice theory believe in the fact that we are driven by pain and pleasure, hedonistic beings that will only refrain from a pleasure lathed unlawful behavior only if it is associated with significant pain that deter the individual from the behavior. One of the theories that are derived from the choice theory is the deterrence theory. The deterrence theory revolves around the same principles of risk and benefit however, it does not assume that juveniles are necessarily making rational decisions derived from the summation of risks and benefits but rather are engaging in a behavior based on their perceived risk and perceived benefits (Taylor, Fritsch, & Caeti, 2011).
Learning Theories According to the learning theories, juveniles commit unlawful acts because they learn the behavior that supports the act (Taylor, Fritsch, & Caeti, 2011). There are several learning processes through which we acquire good and bad behavior. Classical conditioning, for instance, refers to the learning process through stimuli association. For instance, a group of juveniles may experience great pleasure when one of the juveniles shop lift an item from a store. This pleasurable experience if repeated with similar consequences can become a conditioned stimulus. Accordingly, the juvenile may develop an affinity to shop lifting as a result of the association. Similarly, we learn through modeling and copying the behavior of our parents, siblings, and peers, and role models (Taylor, Fritsch, & Caeti, 2011). If aggression is a characteristic of one of those groups, then we will learn to be aggressive. The work of B.F.Skinner on operand conditioning explains the learning process through enforcers and punishers. A Juvenile delinquent that is rewarded by money or peer acceptance as a result of a behavior has experienced an enforcer that will motivate him to pursue the act or behavior again. In contract, punishers such as disapproval of peers or parents, prison, community service, act as deterrent to the behavior and act.
Choice Theories Versus Learning Theories
In contrasting the two schools of thought, the most notable difference is the locus of control. In the choice theories, the individual is the core of the problem. Those who see believe in the principles of the choice theory will probably believe in accountability and personal responsibility. As we choose to act one way or another, then we must also be accountable to our actions, good or bad. Criminal justice administrators and policy makers are more likely to propose stronger punishment than consider treatment and rehabilitation. In contrast, those who believe in the strength of the learning theories in explaining juvenile delinquency are likely to look outside the individual and more into the family, social groups, peers, and society at large. Learning theorists may want celebrities to play a good role model, may oppose violence in video games or television, or may want to focus on the role of families and parenthood is providing an environment that is conducive to good behavior. Policymakers that believe in the strength of the learning theories may still find the need to impose punishment (punishers) however, they may also aspire to rehabilitate the juvenile and administer treatments and programs that will help the juvenile in learning good behavior.

References
Taylor, R.W., Fritsch, E.J., & Caeti, T.J. (2011). Juvenile justice: Policies, programs, and practices (Custom). (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.