from Discussion Thread: Juvenile Delinquency Theories
May 27, 2024 4:22AM
Rachael Frazier
Although our textbook discusses a number of theories about delinquency,
the Social Learning Theory stands out as being particularly pertinent for
several reasons. The Social Learning Theory, a subset of Social Process
theories, suggests that social interactions are the source of delinquent
behavior. This idea holds that people become involved in delinquency
because they associate with parents, peers, or other relatives who
encourage and mimic illegal activity (Siegel & Welsh, 2017, p. 107). Social
learning can involve the techniques of crime (how to hot-wire a car) as well
as the psychological aspects (how to deal with guilt). The former are
needed to commit crimes, whereas the latter are required to cope with the
emotional turmoil that follows (Siegel & Welsh, 2017, p. 112). This theory's
fundamental ideas include imitation, definitions, differential reinforcement,
and differential association. Socialization is guiding people into acceptable
behavior patterns through information, approval, rewards, and
punishments. It involves learning the systems needed to function in society
(Siegel & Welsh, 2017, p. 107). This hypothesis also takes into
consideration peer pressure, a problem that is prevalent. The idea that
peer pressure only works in certain circumstances—such as "you have to
do this to be cool" or "just doing what everyone else is doing so you fit
in"—has numerous exceptions. Even if there isn't a quick fix to stop social
learning, something needs to be done.
Proverbs 4:14-15 says, Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in
the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away
(KJV). Christians are called to serve all people. These kids are in horrible
situations, and the verse warns that unless someone intervenes and gives
them guidance, they will suffer harm. Negative learning is not always a
part of the Social Learning Theory, which is the reason I consider it the
most valid. Although teenagers will take up bad habits and criminal notions
from their environment, if a good Christian enters their life and begins to
influence them, they will begin to acquire positive attributes and may even
be able to influence other people.
Bible Gateway. (2011). BibleGateway.com. Bible Gateway; Bible Gateway.
https://www.biblegateway.com/Links to an external site.
Siegel, L. J., & Welsh, B. (2017). Juvenile Delinquency: The Core (6th ed.).
Cengage Learning. https://ebooks.cenreader.com/#!/reader/6c6f945c-
cbae-4c82-83ac-1fa049bd6694/page/758a39896cdf87baf7a6aadddffd418f
from Discussion Thread: Juvenile Delinquency Theories
May 28, 2024 2:03AM
Rachael Frazier
Hello Addisyn! I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this week's discussion
thread. I also thought that the social learning theory was the most valid.
The social learning theory is presently one of the most extensively
examined and referred criminological theories in the discipline (Sharma &
Gupta, 2023). Parents, in particular, serve as important socializing agents
for adolescents, especially in their role as disciplinarians. Through
consistent use of reward and discipline, parents teach adolescents what
behaviors are considered acceptable versus unacceptable (Halgunseth et
al., 2013). Over time, adolescents who experience consistent parental
discipline engage in acceptable pro-social behaviors because they develop
the ability to foresee future consequences. If discipline is not applied
consistently, then adolescents perceive that maybe parental punishment
can be eluded (Halgunseth et al., 2013). Because parents are often
responsible for establishing and enforcing behavioral norms in the family,
it follows that adolescents’ personal standards of conduct may be
influenced by observations and interactions with their parents. In the
context of consistent discipline, adolescents are held responsible for their
actions and may learn that there are consequences for misbehavior
(Halgunseth et al., 2013).
Romans 12:2 says, Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but
let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing
and perfect (NLT).
Bible Gateway. (2024). Bible Gateway. Bible Gateway; Bible Gateway.
https://www.biblegateway.com/Links to an external site.
Halgunseth, L. C., Perkins, D. F., Lippold, M. A., & Nix, R. L. (2013).
Delinquent-oriented attitudes mediate the relation between parental
inconsistent discipline and early adolescent behavior. Journal of Family
Psychology, 27(2), 293–302. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031962
Sharma , K., & Gupta, Dr. K. (2023). AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL LEARNING
THEORY TO THE CHANGING NATURE OF JUVENILE CRIMES AND LEGAL
RESPONSES TO NAVIGATE THE CHANGE. Journal of Research
Administration, 5(2). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378976490
from Discussion Thread: Juvenile Delinquency Theories
May 28, 2024 3:41AM
Rachael Frazier
Hello Rachel! I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this weeks discussion.
Even though I chose the social learning theory as the most valid, I thought
that your thread was easy to understand and also had some interesting
points. Choice theories are predicated on the view that the more severe,
certain, and swift the punishment, the more likely it is to control crime
(Siegel, 2000). Choice theorists view crime as offense and offender-specific
and cite research indicating that offenders consider their targets carefully
before deciding on a course of action. By implication, crime can be
prevented or displaced by convincing potential criminals that the risks of
violating the law exceed the benefits (Siegel, 2000). Choice theories have
been influential in shaping public policies, and criminal law is designed to
deter potential criminals and to fairly punish those have been caught in
illegal acts (Siegel, 2000). Rational choice theory is not interested in
examining how certain psychological factors like for example psychopathy
cause some people to commit crime. It is also not interested in sociological
causes for crime, like how people’s criminal friends draw them into crime.
Instead, rational choice theory focuses on opportunities for crime and how
people make the decision to commit a crime when they are faced with an
opportunity (Margit, 2022). Because rational choice theory puts the focus
on crime and not so much on the offender, and because it focuses on
opportunities and situations, it is easily linked to crime prevention. In line
with rational choice theory, crime prevention is not a matter of changing
the offender, but of changing the situation. In other words, it’s about
making sure to change situations so that the benefits of committing crime
are smaller than the costs (Margit, 2022).
Proverbs 1:8 says, Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not
your mother's teaching, (ESV).
Margit. (2022, November 13). Rational Choice Theory in
Sociology/Criminology - CriminologyWeb. Criminology Web.
https://criminologyweb.com/rational-choice-theory-in-sociology-and-
criminology-explained/
Proverbs 1:8 ESV - - Bible Gateway. (n.d.). Www.biblegateway.com.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=Proverbs+1%3A8&version=ESV
Seigel, L. J. (2000). Choice Theory (From Criminology, Seventh Edition, P
112-145, 2000, Larry J. Seigel, -- See NCJ-185178) | Office of Justice
Programs. Www.ojp.gov.
https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/choice-theory-
criminology-seventh-edition-p-112-145-2000-larry-j
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