Theories of Delinquency

Theories of Delinquency

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Theories of Delinquency

Juvenile justice, like any other field, requires extensive research and theory development in order to come up with explanations and to find more about juvenile crime. Research and theory development in the field of juvenile justice is extensive and is done by various professionals including criminologists, psychologists and sociologists among others. These theories are categorized as biological, psychological and sociological theories. Under these categories are various theories on juvenile crime. Theory and research in delinquency is important as it attempts to describe the causes of delinquent behavior, the motives of juveniles who engage in crime, and helps in the development of control and therapy for delinquent behavior.

In my opinion, the theory that best explains juvenile delinquency is the contemporary biological theory called biosocial theory that states that the thought and behavior of an adolescent both have biological and social bases. This theory suggests that genetics and social environment determine whether a child will become delinquent. It goes further to describe that a minor with pathological traits such as abnormal personality, low IQ or brain damage is susceptible to delinquency. Factors in the social environment including substance abuse, poor parenting, poor performance in school and delinquent peers, may increase the chances that this minor will be delinquent. This theory is practical and more relatable as an explanation for the causes of delinquency.

If I engaged in crime, the best theory that would explain and describe the reason why I engaged in this crime is the social learning theory under the category of psychological theories proposed to explain the causes of juvenile crime. This theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through close relations with peers or other individuals who engage in criminal behavior. This is because I mostly find myself in a social environment in school, in the community and in the workplace. The criminal behavior of those around me may influence my actions and my choice of leisure activities, some of which may be considered unlawful.

References

Boyd, M. R., & McDavid, J. (1962). Psychological Theory, Research and Juvenile Delinquency. The Journal of Criminal and Police Science, 1-14.