The theories of symbolic interactionism are concerned with how social definitions and meanings rather than values produce delinquent behavior (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). Symbolic interactionism is another major theory that individuals can use to understand juvenile delinquency better. According to the theory, when a young individual has strong ties with friends and family members, the young individual will not have the time to engage in delinquent behavior. The students who are not involved in various activities in schools like sports or academic contests are more likely to fall prey to delinquent behavior. Control in schools comes in the form of the involvement of students in activities and tasks (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). Students who are not under control tend to embrace more delinquent behaviors. In the subcultural theory, a delinquent subculture will show contempt for a middle-class lifestyle.įrom the control theory, delinquent behavior is associated with the control that comes in various forms from institutions. The theory also states that if the young individuals perceive their culture as less superior, they will act delinquently in school (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). The subcultural theory under structural-functional theories sheds light on how groups of young individuals might form groups based on their cultural background and class and act delinquently. In this theory, majorly from the anomie theory, individuals or students from a lower social class are more likely to get involved in delinquent behavior than other students from high-class backgrounds. The theories under the category major on institutions like school and family, which act as major shapers to an individuals’ character (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). Structural-functional theories view delinquent behavior of young individuals as a consequence of breakdowns or strains in the social processes. Theories help experts understand why a particular young individual will react to something in an environment differently from another young individual. All the theories mentioned work together to help explain the behavior of different individuals in different places (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). Some other theories include rational choice theory, psychological theories, social control theories, social reaction theory, social conflict theory, trajectory theory, propensity theories, life-course theory, social learning theory, social process theories, strain theory, cultural deviance theory, social disorganization theory, and social structure theories. Some of the major theories include symbolic interactionism, conflict theory, and structural functionalism theory. Many theories are in place which can help one to understand juvenile delinquency. The theories also help people understand what might contribute to certain behaviors of young people in society (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). The theories in juvenile delinquency are concepts that experts form to help explain why children or adolescents behave in a particular way. The Meaning Of Theories and Why They are Important To Understanding Juvenile Delinquency
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |