example for Juvenile delinquency ( 2000 words )
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Juvenile Justice
Jadrian Taylor
UTEP
10-11-21
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General Strain Theory:
Agnew developed his theory of crime and deviation, which he termed general strain theory.
juvenile delinquency are the outcomes and adjustments of socioeconomic stress caused by a
variety of human circumstances such as poverty, family situation, school setting, and peer
relationships, to mention a few. The three different types of strain described by Agnew's strain
theory are being used to define juvenile delinquency. The first sort of stress is when a person is
unable to achieve positive objectives that they have set for himself, resulting in delinquency if the
person reacts in anger. The second sort of strain is the loss of any and/or all good stimulation in an
adolescent's life, such as a steady relationship with their family. If a juvenile's environment is
devoid of good influences and stimulation, they may grow enraged and dissatisfied, resulting in
criminality. Negative stimuli, which can result in violence, are the third form of strain. The tension
associated with various strains can be decreased and lowered if unpleasant stimuli are avoided, and
objectives are defined as more sensible and achievable.
Strain theory differs social theories in that it specifies the sort of social connection that
results in delinquency and the motive for delinquency (Agnew, 2020). The importance of general
strain theory is that it concentrates on the interactions that inhibit a person from accomplishing
desirable goals. Strain theory focuses primarily on unfavorable connections in which the person is
not treated as they would like to be treated. According to Agnew, strain theory claims that negative
emotion states, most especially rage and similar emotions which typically emerge from poor
relationships, drive teenagers towards delinquency. Strain theory is differentiated by its emphasis
on bad relationships with others and its assumption that such ties contribute to delinquency via the
negative impact, particularly rage, that an individual occasionally experiences (Agnew, 2020).
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Adolescents who are susceptible to delinquency due to unique features might be triggered by any
situation that causes tension, which can spark a delinquent act.
Life-Course Theory
Numerous theories have been proposed to explain various facets of crime, but perhaps the
most intriguing is the life-course theory. It began with Gottfredson and Hirschi's life-course theory,
and then moved onto the Moffitt edition of the theory, and finally, Sampson and Laub integrated
all these ideas into their life-course theory. Life-course theory and study are concerned with the
progression of changes in an individual's life over time (Laub, 2004). Because these changes might
lead to deviant or criminal conduct, life-course research is being conducted to develop ways to
assist people in absorbing those transitions. Gottfredson and Hirschi concentrated on the
consistency of crimes in teenage lives, Moffitt on the consistency or development in teenage lives,
and Sampson and Laub on both continuity and change. Gottfredson and Hirschi's study revealed
the continuation of crime, and they established the theory of social control, that highlighted
concept of social relationships (Laub, 2004). Moffitt argues that life-course persisters have
pathogenetic foundations that can be traced back to childhood and that lifestyle factors such as
behavioral disorder, low verbal IQ, and poor self-control play a role.
The Glueck men's research by Sampson and Laub revealed that family structures and
sociocultural environments such as poor management, severe punishment, and insufficient parent
connection are significant contributors to teenage misbehavior. Moffitt disagrees, claiming that a
child's vulnerability is exacerbated by such unfavorable familial circumstances, making life-course
chronic misbehavior more likely. If a kid's parents exhibit poor parental skills, adolescents are far
more likely than adults to participate in aberrant behavior.
Psychodynamic theory
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According to psychodynamic theory, latent cognitive functions created in childhood and
adolescence affect character and impact behavior, especially juvenile delinquency. The
psychodynamic theory proposes that the character is divided into three parts: the brain, self-
importance, and sense of self (Higdon, 2012). The mind, present in children, is made up of
irrational, innate impulses and intentions. The ego develops from the brain and reflects the
personality’s problem-solving capacity. It works with fact, distinguishes it from fiction, and trains
youngsters to postpone satisfaction since self-destructive will land them in hot water. The
"superego" represents the children's sense of morality, rules, and beliefs. The superego, which is
more intimately associated only with consciousness, is accountable for shame and guilt. The three
aspects of the personality operate together in mentally sound youngsters. The persistence of Freud
and psychodynamic theory is indicated by the prominence of childhood development events and
cognitive states in the analysis of human conduct.
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References
Agnew, R. (2020). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Crime,
Inequality and the State, 294-311. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003060581-23
Higdon, J. (2012). The value of psychodynamic theory. Psychodynamic Theory for
Therapeutic Practice, 13-30. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-230-35636-8_2
LAUB, J. H. (2004). The life course of criminology in the United States: The American
Society of criminology 2003 presidential address*. Criminology, 42(1), 1-26.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.2004.tb00511.x
- Juvenile Justice