The study of Juvenile delinquency and the theories pertaining to it are vital for several reasons. In order to more effectively engage with youths and foster positive behavior and schemas, the individuals must first be understood. The study of theory provides a means of understanding adolescents and the factors that lead to or detract from delinquent behavior. In the case of juvenile delinquent, Jordan Brown, theory helps to provide insight into why an eleven-year-old boy murdered his stepmother. Jordan Brown was charged as an adult for first-degree murder of his stepmother, but was adjudicated delinquent. In this case, Brown was charged with two counts of first degree murder for the death of his stepmother and the unborn child that she was …show more content…
In this case, Brown decided that the benefit of having his own room was worth the risk of committing murder. The choice to cover the murder weapon with a blanket indicates that rationale was used in planning the attack. This is important to note because Brown considered that concealing the weapon under a blanket would enable him to commit his crime undetected. Furthermore, Brown’s attempt to throw the shotgun shell into the grass on the way to the school bus demonstrates his understanding of what he was doing and his intent to hide the evidence. Due to this, it can be established that Brown weighed his options and knew that what he was doing was something that should be hidden and was less than forthright. As the theory claims that adolescent offenders are self-centered, Brown’s case reflects this through his inability to consider the needs or feelings of the others in his family (Siegel & Welsh, …show more content…
This theory offers an explanation for how personality flaws developed in youth lead to delinquent behavior later on in life. In this theory, Freud posits that that the personality is comprised of three elements known as the id, ego, and superego (Siegel & Welsh, 2017). The id is indulgent and desires instant gratification. This aspect is present from birth while the ego forms gradually over time. The ego acts as a filter for the id and aids in controlling compulsive tendencies that the id creates. Finally, the superego is fostered through connections with close relatives and instills virtue and ethics. While the superego is the conscientious aspect and the id is the indulgent aspect, the ego acts as a buffer for the two, creating moral behavior. While all three aspects function concurrently, a balance between the three allows individuals to exhibit healthy behavior and responses. When one element is expressed more outwardly than the other two, the balance is disrupted and the personality
Juvenile delinquency may evolve around many different factors before it becomes a problem for society to solve. Gender and family structure can be a large and underlining cause of why children enter the criminal justice system. By examining the gender and family makeup, one could better understand how to treat a troubled individual.
Siegel, L., & Welsh, B. (2011). Juvenile delinquency the core. (Fourth ed., p. 54). Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
The factors causing juvenile delinquency are interwoven in complex ways and as result, it is imperative that we find better ways to understand juvenile delinquency and put ourselves in the ‘minds’ of the offender. To understand causes of behaviour, one must look at factors such as drugs, schooling and mental health problems which tend to increase risk that young children will fall into delinquency. Further to this, prominent theories that unpack the characteristics and causes of juvenile crime can be addressed to gain insights into recommendations of how to gain a proactive rather than reactive approach to dealing with crime. Additionally, research by Lane (1974) showed how kids who witness anti social behaviour, results in a higher risk that they will become involved in similar risky behaviours. This is also in line with Bandura’s (1971) theory on Social Learning which suggests that parents are a huge influence when it comes to observational learning, and learning right from wrong. Further to this notion, it has been found that homes that have been separated through divorce or desertion also result in major contributing factors to juvenile delinquency. Therefore the more involved a child is with their family environment, the more prone they are to becoming influenced by basic beliefs, values and attitudes, whether they
The officers searched Brown’s residence for any possible evidence. In the basement they found an entire set up for a photography studio. The police photographed several back drops, stool set up for one to be photographed on, couches, light fixtures, props and various other items that might be used during a photography session. They also found several cameras that appeared to be used for these sessions and took them into custody. After the home was searched, the police then took Brown to the station to interview him, while their investigation unit searched through his computer files. Brown made things very easy for the detectives when they began their questioning. Brown knew that the officers would find the emails and photographs on his computer as well as on his cameras, confessed to taking pictures of minors as well as viewing pictures of children on pornography sites. As Brown thought, the investigators found multiple pictures of minors, some fully clothed, some almost naked. The nature of the pictures are illegal and are not acceptable to be taken. Due to Brown’s confession as well the evidence found on his computer and camera, he was found guilty and sent to
Skyes, Gresham M. and David Matza. 1998. “Techniques of Neutralization: A Theory of Delinquency.” Pp. 105-116 in Juvenile Delinquency: Historical, Theoretical, and Societal Reactions to Youth, 2nd ed., edited by P. M. Sharp and B. M. Hancock. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Confined in application to by right (legitimately forced) isolation, the Brown principle was connected for the most part to Southern educational systems. After solid resistance, which prompted such occurrences as the 1957 Little Rock, Ark., school emergency, combination spread gradually over the South, under court orders and the risk of loss of government assets for rebelliousness. The Brown choice gave enormous driving force to the social equality development of the 1950s and 1960s, and rushed mix out in the open offices and facilities. Isolation kept up by subtler and obstinate strengths, nonetheless, has remained a vital component in American culture. Accepted school isolation, brought on by private lodging examples and different conditions
The behavior among juveniles and family problems among their homes is a major issue at hand in our society today. According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (2010), in the year 2010, 784 juveniles were arrested for murder, 2,198 for rape, and 35,001 for aggravated assault. The amount of juveniles being involved in violent crimes is very detrimental to all aspects of our society, but environmental factors are a major component of this issue that needs to be analyzed. The question is then is how does instability and turmoil within the family affect the rate of juvenile delinquency amount youth. Dysfunction within the family, negative peer pressure and substance abuse all influence the behavior and action of youth ages persons. All of these factors contribute to the possibility of a youth aged child to becoming a juvenile delinquent. Not all youths that have these different situations occurring in their childhood become involved in criminal activities, but they increase the chances. Children are affected at young ages and the things that they face in life and they way they act are vital in the path that they choose to follow in life.
Theories have often been developed to explain how delinquents violate social norms and still manage to maintain positive self images of themselves. Neutralization theory, developed by Gresham Sykes and David Matza in 1957 set out to do just this. Critics, however, have claims that the theory, on it’s own, is not a sufficient explanation for adolescent’s participation in crime in delinquency. It has also been claimed by critics that neutralization theory is best viewed as a components of larger theory of crime and can be incorporated into other theories such as social bond theory.
Onwediwe, I. (2004). “Theoretical Perspectives on Juvenile Delinquency: Root Causes and Control.” ProQuest Criminal Justice, 66, 153-156.
Naiveté and lambs are two common symbolic representations of children. However, these ‘pure’ children can also be some of the most ruthless and disturbed beings on the planet. Juvenile delinquents are the small percent of children who act on their violent urges. Juvenile delinquents are minors that are “guilty of antisocial or criminal behavior” (Houghton Mifflin Company 951). All juveniles who commit these atrocious acts have some discrepant factor whether it is genetic or environmental, that has affected them, and in turn caused them to be psychologically disturbed. A wide variety of crimes can be committed by a juvenile. Anything an adult has the capability of doing, a child can also. However, reasons why they commit these crimes have a great variation, ranging from personal to economical reasonings. Hope of rehabilitation for the juvenile never ceases, because there are many treatment options that are available and can be utilized to help. Juveniles can be treated with different types of therapy, surgery, prescription medicine, and treatment programs. Despite the contributing factors of juvenile delinquency, family background and structure, along with the influence of peer pressure are the two most significant in determining the success of the juvenile.
According to Sigmund Freud, the structure of human personality consists of three factors: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id, is something that is imbedded in us when we are born, and it is responsible for all “drives and urges”. Lohan’s Id would be her reckless behaviors because of imbedded urge for stimulation. The ego develops within the first two or three years and it related to reasoning, and ‘constrains’ the id to reality. The superego is developed around the age of 5 through social interactions. And this part of the mind is responsible for maintaining social values and ideals. This part of Lohan’s mind conveys what behaviors are acceptable and which are unacceptable, and I feel like in the past Lohan’s Id overruled her superego, but it seems like her superego is improving because she is not as reckless as she was previously.
Thompson, W. E. and Bynum J. E. (2010). Juvenile Delinquency: A sociological Approach Eighth Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
... central of reasons for criminal activity. All juvenile cases and scenarios are unique and different, and the causes of each youth’s actions are all different. It is equally important to highlight programs that have been proven to be only slightly effective or ineffective at reducing violence by excellent evaluation research. By having these programs, it will allow one to further understand the factors in such behaviours and allow the youth to experience a setting that will assist them in following the right path in becoming a sensible and mature adult. These programs may include a Scared Straight program, Out-of-home placements for young offenders, or even harsh sentences for young offenders. In conclusion, using these methods, young offenders can turn their unreasonable thoughts into a more practical thought process (Minnesota Cognitive Behavioral Network, 2002).
There are many theories that attempt to explain the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency and the factors that cause it. There is, and has been, a great amount of young people who engage in delinquent behavior throughout the nation and worldwide. What exactly is the catalyst that incites these young people to commit crime and stray from the ethical norm established in society? Are all youth susceptible to the temptation of deviant behavior or is it just some? Theories suggest different possible etiologies, which include: social factors, biological factors, psychological factors and physiological factors, among other things that may mold a child into a juvenile delinquent.
Juvenile delinquency is one of the major social issues in the United States today. Juvenile delinquency, also known as juvenile offending, is when “a violation of the law committed by a juvenile and not punishable by death or life imprisonment” (Merriam-webster.com). Although we have one justice system in America, the juvenile system differs from the adult juvenile system. Most juvenile delinquents range from as low as the age of seven to the age of seventeen. Once the delinquent or anyone turns the age of eighteen, they are considered an adult. Therefore, they are tried as an adult, in the justice system. There are many different reasons why a child would commit crime, such as mental and physical factors, home conditions, neighborhood environment and school conditions. In addition, there are a variety of effects that juvenile justice systems can either bad effects or good effects. Finally there are many different solutions that can reduce juvenile delinquency. As a result, juvenile delinquency is a major issue and the likeliness of it can be reduced. In order to reduce juvenile delinquency there has to be an understanding of the causes and the effects.