Juvenile Delinquency : A Sociological Approach

by Bynum, Jack E.; Thompson, William E.

• ISBN13: 9780205276127
• ISBN10: 0205276121
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-08-01
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon, Inc.

Summary

This book is guided by the basic premise that juvenile delinquency is inherently social in nature. Thus, any meaningful discussion of delinquency must be expressed in a sociological framework. More specifically, this book approaches delinquency as it relates to and emerges from the youth's family, neighborhood, school, peer group, social class, and overall culture and environment. This edition includes current and controversial topics such as community policing, gun control, hate crimes, the impact of TV violence, boot camps, and capital punishment for juveniles.

Table of Contents

Preface	xix
PART I Conformity, Deviance, and Juvenile Delinquency	1	(90)
Introduction: The Sociological Perspective and Focus on Juvenile Delinquency	1	(4)
Chapter 1 Juvenile Delinquency: The Act, Actor, and the Audience	5	(21)
Reading Objectives	5	(1)
Introduction	5	(1)
What Is Juvenile Delinquency?	6	(9)
What Is a Juvenile?	6	(2)
What Is Delinquency?	8	(2)
The Legal Definition	10	(2)
Status Offenses	12	(1)
Problems with the Legal Definition	12	(2)
The Role Definition	14	(1)
Box 1-1 Controversial Issue: "Child or Adult?"	15	(5)
Problems with the Role Definition	18	(1)
The Societal Response Definition	18	(1)
Problems with the Societal Response Definition	19	(1)
A Synthesized Definition of Delinquency	20	(1)
Box 1-2 Cross-Cultural Focus: The Cultural and Legal Definitions of "Child" and "Juvenile Offender" in Other Nations	21	(1)
Summary	22	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	23	(1)
References	24	(2)
Chapter 2 A Sociological Overview: Society, Norms, Conformity and Deviant Behavior	26	(26)
Reading Objectives	26	(1)
Introduction	26	(1)
The Sociological Perspective	27	(1)
The Social Nature of Humans	28	(4)
The Social Imperative	28	(2)
Social Interaction	30	(1)
Social Interdependence	31	(1)
Social Organization	32	(1)
Norms	32	(1)
Sources of Norms	32	(2)
Social Consensus	33	(1)
Social Conflict	33	(1)
Folkways and Mores	34	(2)
Folkways	34	(1)
Mores	35	(1)
Normative Behavior: Conformity	36	(2)
Deviant Behavior: Nonconformity	38	(2)
Negative Aspects of Deviance	40	(1)
Box 2-1 Cross-Cultural Focus: Conformity, Deviance, and Delinquency among Native Americans	41	(2)
Positive Aspects of Deviance	43	(3)
Juvenile Delinquency	46	(2)
Summary	48	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	49	(1)
Box 2-2 Concept Application: "Deviance or Conformity?"	49	(1)
References	50	(2)
Chapter 3 The Dimensions of the Delinquency Problem	52	(39)
Reading Objectives	52	(1)
Introduction	52	(1)
Juvenile Delinquency Data	53	(2)
Validity and Reliability	54	(1)
Validity	54	(1)
Reliability	54	(1)
Official Sources of Delinquency Information	55	(14)
FBI Uniform Crime Reports	55	(1)
Juvenile Arrests for Specific Offenses	56	(2)
Status Offenses	58	(2)
Male and Female Involvement in Juvenile Delinquency	60	(1)
The Racial and Ethnic Factor in Juvenile Delinquency	61	(2)
Place of Residence and Arrest Statistics	63	(2)
Juvenile Court Statistics	65	(1)
Methodology	65	(1)
Findings	66	(3)
The Composite Delinquent Profile: Typical or Stereotypical?	69	(4)
Limitations of Official Delinquency Data	70	(1)
Arrest Statistics	70	(1)
Juvenile Court Statistics	71	(2)
Box 3-1 Concept Application: "Undetected and Unreported Delinquency: The Missing Statistics"	73	(1)
Unofficial Sources of Delinquency Information	74	(6)
Self-Report Studies	74	(3)
Victimization Surveys	77	(3)
Box 3-2 Controversial Issue: Juvenile Violence: Guns and the U.S. Constitution	80	(2)
The Magnitude and Trends of Juvenile Delinquency: A Demographic Analysis	82	(3)
Box 3-3 Cross-Cultural Focus: Is There Any Juvenile Delinquency in Russia?	85	(2)
Summary	87	(1)
Concept Integration: Question and Topics for Study and Discussion	87	(1)
References	88	(3)
PART II Causes of Juvenile Delinquency	91	(134)
Introduction: Theory and the Etiology of Juvenile Delinquency	91	(4)
Chapter 4 Biological Explanations of Juvenile Delinquency	95	(27)
Reading Objectives	95	(1)
Introduction	95	(1)
The Link between Biology and Behavior: Myths and Folklore	96	(1)
The Classical School of Criminological Thought	97	(1)
Deterrence Theory	98	(1)
The Positive School of Criminology	98	(1)
Twentieth-Century Constitutional Typologies	99	(2)
The Continuing Search for the Biological Connection	101	(1)
Gender	101	(1)
Box 4-1 Concept Application: "An Ugly Girl"	102	(8)
Race and Ethnicity	105	(1)
Age	106	(1)
Maturation Theory	107	(1)
Genetic Crime Causation: The XYY Hypothesis	108	(1)
Diet and Deviant Behavior	109	(1)
Box 4-2 Cross-Cultural Focus: The Study of Twins and Adopted Children in Scandinavia	110	(4)
Brain Malfunctions	112	(2)
Sociobiological Explanations	114	(2)
Box 4-3 Controversial Issue: Heredity Versus Environment in Deviant and Delinquent Behavior	116	(1)
Summary and Conclusion	117	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	118	(1)
References	118	(4)
Chapter 5 Psychogenic Explanations of Juvenile Delinquency	122	(33)
Reading Objectives	122	(1)
Introduction	122	(2)
The Psychogenic Approach	124	(1)
The Discovery of the Unconscious	125	(1)
The Formation of Personality	125	(1)
Freudian Theory as an Explanation of Crime and Delinquency	126	(1)
Psychoanalysis	127	(1)
Projective Tests	127	(3)
The Rorschach Ink-blot Test	128	(1)
Projective Tests and Homicidal Children	128	(2)
Delinquent Acts as Symptoms	130	(2)
Conduct Disorders	131	(1)
Box 5-1 Controversial Issue: The Debate Over Television Violence, Childhood Personality Development, and Criminal Behavior	132	(1)
Other Psychogenic Explanations of Juvenile Delinquency	133	(9)
Early Theories of Feeblemindedness	133	(2)
Neurological Abnormalities	135	(1)
The Flawed Personality	136	(1)
The Psychopath/Sociopath	137	(1)
Distinctive Patterns of Criminal Thinking	138	(1)
Adolescent Identity Crisis	139	(2)
Insufficient Moral Development	141	(1)
A Psychological Typology of Delinquency	142	(5)
I. Impulsive Delinquency	143	(1)
1. The Unsocialized Aggressive Child	144	(1)
2. The Self-Centered Indulgent Delinquent	144	(1)
3. The Psychopath	144	(1)
4. The Sexual Pervert	144	(1)
II. Neurotic Delinquency	145	(1)
1. The Inadequate Delinquent	145	(1)
2. The Crystallized Delinquent	145	(1)
III. Symptomatic Delinquency	145	(1)
1. The Kleptomaniac	146	(1)
2. The Pyromaniac	146	(1)
3. The Sexual Delinquent	146	(1)
Criticisms and Limitations of the Psychogenic Approach	147	(1)
Critique of Theoretical Assumptions and Concepts	147	(1)
Critique of Research Methodology	147	(1)
Box 5-2 Concept Application: The Psychological and Social Impacts on Victims of Crime and Delinquency	148	(3)
Critique of Psychogenic Applications to Crime and Delinquency	149	(2)
Summary	151	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	151	(1)
References	152	(3)
Chapter 6 Sociological Explanations of Delinquency: Social Strain and Cultural Transmission Theories	155	(24)
Reading Objectives	155	(1)
Introduction	155	(1)
Theory	156	(1)
Social Strain Theories	157	(9)
Durkheim's Concept of Anomie	158	(1)
Merton's Theory of Anomie	158	(2)
Cohen's "Delinquent Boys"	160	(1)
Cloward and Ohlin's "Delinquency and Opportunity"	161	(2)
Contributions of Social Strain Theories	163	(1)
Criticisms and Limitations of Social Strain Theories	164	(2)
Cultural Transmission Theories	166	(9)
Sellin's Theory of Culture Conflict	167	(1)
Burgess' Concentric Zone Theory	167	(2)
Shaw and McKay's "High Delinquency Areas"	169	(1)
Miller's Focus on Lower Class Culture	170	(1)
Contributions of Cultural Transmission Theories	171	(2)
Criticisms and Limitations of Cultural Transmission Theories	173	(2)
Box 6-1 Controversial Issue: Social Structure as a Proposed Cause of Urban Crime and Delinquency	175	(2)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	177	(1)
References	178	(1)
Chapter 7 Sociological Explanations of Juvenile Delinquency: Social Learning and Social Control Theories	179	(22)
Reading Objectives	179	(1)
Introduction	179	(2)
Social Learning Theories	181	(5)
Sutherland and Cressey's Theory of Differential Association	181	(1)
Glaser's Concept of Differential Identification	182	(1)
Akers' Theory of Differential Reinforcement	183	(1)
Contributions of Social Learning Theories	184	(1)
Criticisms and Limitations of Social Learning Theories	185	(1)
Box 7-1 Concept Application: "Going into the Automobile Business"	186	(3)
Social Control Theories	189	(8)
Reckless' Containment Theory	190	(1)
Sykes and Matza's Techniques of Neutralization	190	(3)
Hirschi's Social Bond Theory	193	(1)
Contributions of Social Control Theories	194	(2)
Criticisms and Limitations of Social Control Theories	196	(1)
Box 7-2 Cross-Cultural Focus: Criminality Among the Children of Immigrants in Western Europe	197	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	198	(1)
References	199	(2)
Chapter 8 Sociological Explanations of Juvenile Delinquency: Labeling and Radical Theories	201	(24)
Reading Objectives	201	(1)
Introduction	201	(1)
Labeling Theories	202	(7)
Early Contributions to Labeling Theory	203	(1)
Tannenbaum's Concept of "Tagging"	204	(1)
Lemert's Primary and Secondary Deviance	204	(1)
Becker's Developmental Career Model	205	(2)
Contributions of Labeling Theory	207	(1)
Criticisms and Limitations of Labeling Theory	208	(1)
Radical Theories	209	(1)
Box 8-1 Concept Application: Juvenile Delinquency as Short-Term Hedonism: "Crime Is Fun!"	210	(8)
The Marxian Heritage	211	(1)
Quinney's Social Reality of Crime and Delinquency	212	(2)
Greenberg's Focus on Adolescent Frustration	214	(1)
Schwendingers' Instrumental Theory	215	(1)
Contributions of Radical Theories	216	(1)
Criticisms and Limitations of Radical Theories	217	(1)
An Overview of the Sociological Explanations	218	(2)
Box 8-2 Controversial Issue: The Quest for a General Theory of Juvenile Delinquency	220	(2)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	222	(1)
References	222	(3)
PART III Juvenile Delinquency in a Social Context	225	(124)
Introduction: Collective Behavior and Social Groupings	225	(4)
Chapter 9 The Family and Juvenile Delinquency	229	(26)
Reading Objectives	229	(1)
Introduction	229	(1)
The Changing Role of the Family	229	(2)
Increasing Importance of the Nuclear Family and the Creation of "Adolescence"	231	(1)
The Family as an Agent of Socialization	232	(1)
Working Mothers and Juvenile Delinquency	233	(2)
Box 9-1 Controversial Issue: Latchkey Children: Independence or Neglect	235	(2)
Other Family Variables and Juvenile Delinquency	237	(7)
Social Class	237	(1)
Family Size and Birth Order	238	(2)
Family Interaction	240	(1)
Parental Discipline	241	(3)
Broken Homes and Delinquency	244	(3)
The Family and Delinquency Prevention	247	(1)
Box 9-2 Concept Application: The Role of the Family in Preventing Delinquency	248	(1)
Summary	249	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	250	(1)
References	250	(5)
Chapter 10 Schools and Delinquency	255	(24)
Reading Objectives	255	(1)
Introduction	255	(1)
The School as an Arena	256	(1)
Schools and the Socialization Process	256	(1)
Juvenile Delinquency and the School Experience	257	(2)
Schools as a "Screening Device"	259	(2)
Box 10-1 Cross-Cultural Focus: Self-Concept and Delinquency Among Chinese School Children	261	(4)
Box 10-2 Controversial Issue: Dealing with the Problem of Truancy	265	(2)
Schools as a "Combat Zone"	267	(4)
School as Bureaucracy	271	(1)
Schools and Delinquency Prevention	272	(2)
Summary	274	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	275	(1)
References	275	(4)
Chapter 11 The Youth Subculture	279	(30)
Reading Objectives	279	(1)
Introduction	279	(1)
Culture, Subcultures, and Countercultures	280	(1)
The Creation of a Youth Subculture	280	(2)
Box 11-1 Cross-Cultural Focus: A Canadian Youth Subculture	282	(1)
Role of the Youth Subculture	282	(3)
Distinctive Elements of the Youth Subculture	285	(6)
Youth Values	285	(3)
Dress, Grooming, and Fads	288	(1)
Mass Media	289	(1)
Language	290	(1)
Box 11-2 Controversial Issue: Censoring Rock Music	291	(1)
The Youth Subculture and Juvenile Delinquency	292	(8)
Juvenile Runaways	293	(1)
Juvenile Prostitution	294	(2)
Juveniles and Drugs	296	(2)
Juveniles and Sex	298	(2)
Youth Countercultures and Delinquency	300	(2)
Teenage Satanic Groups	300	(2)
Youth Hate Groups	302	(1)
The Youth Subculture and Delinquency Prevention	302	(1)
Summary	303	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	304	(1)
References	305	(4)
Chapter 12 Juvenile Gangs and Delinquent Behavior	309	(40)
Reading Objectives	309	(1)
Introduction	309	(2)
Predatory Youths: A National Alarm	310	(1)
The Solitary Delinquent	311	(1)
Group Delinquency	312	(1)
The Play Group	313	(1)
The Juvenile Gang	314	(3)
What Is a Gang?	314	(2)
History of Youth Gangs	316	(1)
Contemporary Youth Gangs in the United States	317	(4)
Locale	317	(2)
Number of Gangs and Members	319	(2)
The Motives for Gang Membership	321	(1)
Box 12-1 Concept Application: Group Shoplifting and "The Swarm"	322	(2)
Initiation Rituals	323	(1)
Gang Organization	324	(4)
The Near Group	325	(1)
Gang Graffiti, Slanguage and Symbols	326	(2)
Composition of Gang Membership	328	(6)
Social Class	329	(1)
Racial and Ethnic Composition of Gangs	330	(2)
Female Participation in Delinquent Gangs	332	(2)
Gang Violence	334	(3)
Drug Franchises and Gang Warfare	336	(1)
Box 12-2 Concept Application: "The Weapon of Choice: The Dogs of War"	337	(2)
Gang Rape	338	(1)
Dyads and Triads	339	(1)
Explanatory Theories of Gang Formation and Behavior: A Summary and Synthesis	339	(3)
Box 12-3 Cross-Cultural Focus: Urban Street Gangs in Russia	342	(2)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	344	(1)
References	345	(4)
PART IV Social Control: The Juvenile Justice System	349	(80)
Introduction: Elements of Social Control	349	(2)
Chapter 13 Juveniles and the Police	351	(23)
Reading Objectives	351	(1)
Introduction	351	(1)
Juvenile Encounters with Police	352	(1)
Policing Juveniles	353	(3)
Law Enforcement Role	355	(1)
Crime Prevention Role	355	(1)
Police Discretion in Handling Juveniles	356	(1)
Box 13-1 Cross-Cultural Focus: Policing Juveniles in Great Britain	357	(8)
Legal Factors	359	(1)
Seriousness of the Offense	359	(1)
Prior Police Contacts	359	(1)
Evidence	360	(1)
Complainant	360	(1)
Extralegal Factors	361	(1)
Age	361	(1)
Sex	362	(1)
Race and Ethnicity	362	(1)
Socioeconomic Status	363	(1)
Appearance, Attitude, and Demeanor of the Juvenile	363	(1)
Willingness of Parents to Cooperate	364	(1)
Characteristics of the Police Officer	364	(1)
Police and Due Process	365	(2)
Police, Community Policing, and Delinquency Prevention	367	(2)
Box 13-2 Controversial Issue: Targeting Serious Habitual Offenders: Delinquency Prevention or Police Harassment?	369	(1)
Summary	370	(1)
Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	371	(1)
References	371	(3)
Chapter 14 Juvenile Courts	374	(25)
Reading Objectives	374	(1)
Introduction	374	(1)
Historical Background of the Juvenile Court	375	(1)
The Child Savers' Movement	376	(1)
Box 14-1 Cross-Cultural Focus: Development of the Juvenile Court in Canada	377	(1)
The Juvenile Court	378	(2)
The Juvenile Court and Due Process	380	(3)
Juvenile Court Procedures	383	(4)
Intake	383	(2)
Adjudication	385	(1)
Disposition	386	(1)
The Role of Attorneys in Juvenile Court	387	(2)
The District Attorney	388	(1)
The Defense Attorney	388	(1)
Box 14-2 Controversial Issue: The Use of Attorneys in the Juvenile Court	389	(1)
Criticisms of the Juvenile Court	390	(2)
The Multifaceted Juvenile Court	392	(3)
The Future of the Juvenile Court	395	(1)
Summary	396	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	396	(1)
References	396	(3)
Chapter 15 Juvenile Corrections	399	(30)
Reading Objectives	399	(1)
Introduction	399	(1)
Social Control and Deterrence Theory	400	(1)
Voluntary Social Control	400	(1)
Box 15-1 Cross-Cultural Focus: The Caning of an American Youth in Singapore: Justice or Abuse?	401	(2)
Informal Social Control	403	(2)
Formal Social Control	405	(5)
Juvenile Probation	405	(1)
Restitution and "Restorative" Justice	406	(1)
Juvenile Incarceration	407	(3)
Box 15-2 Controversial Issue: Institutionalization Versus Community Treatment	410	(4)
Juvenile Aftercare	411	(1)
Remanding Juveniles to Adult Courts	411	(1)
Juveniles in Adult Jails and Prisons	412	(1)
Capital Punishment for Juveniles	413	(1)
Box 15-3 Controversial Issue: Should Juveniles Be Executed?	414	(3)
Deinstitutionalization, Community Corrections, and Diversion	417	(7)
House Arrest	419	(1)
Youth Service Bureaus	419	(1)
Scared Straight!	420	(1)
S.H.A.P.E.U.P.	421	(1)
PLACE	422	(1)
VisionQuest	422	(1)
Juvenile Boot Camps	422	(1)
Other Diversion Programs	423	(1)
Evaluation of Deinstitutionalization, Community Corrections, and Diversion	424	(1)
Summary	425	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	426	(1)
References	426	(3)
PART V Strategies for Dealing with Juvenile Delinquency	429	(60)
Introduction: Approaching Treatment and Prevention in a Social Context	429	(2)
Chapter 16 Treatment and Prevention Strategies	431	(27)
Reading Objectives	431	(1)
Introduction	431	(1)
Treatment Ideology and Delinquency Treatment Programs	432	(1)
Behavior Modification	432	(1)
Box 16-1 Controversial Issue: Applying the Medical Model in the Treatment of Delinquency	433	(5)
Transactional Analysis	435	(1)
Reality Therapy	436	(1)
Group and Individual Counseling	437	(1)
Prevention Ideology and Delinquency Prevention Programs	438	(2)
Early Identification	438	(1)
"Pre-Delinquents" and Early Intervention	438	(2)
Box 16-2 Cross-Cultural Focus: Delinquency Prevention in Japan	440	(1)
Sociological Approaches to Delinquency Treatment and Prevention	441	(8)
The Chicago Area Project	442	(1)
The Mid-City Project	443	(1)
Mobilization for Youth	443	(1)
Minnesota Youth Advocate Program	444	(1)
Neighborhood Youth Corps	444	(1)
The Highfields Project	445	(1)
The Provo Experiment	445	(1)
Millcreek Youth Correctional Facility	446	(1)
The Paint Creek Youth Center	446	(1)
Project New Pride	447	(1)
Mentoring Programs	447	(1)
Other Programs	448	(1)
Mobilizing the Community to Prevent Delinquency	449	(4)
Crimestoppers and Hotlines	450	(1)
Neighborhood Watch	450	(1)
Guardian Angels	451	(1)
S.H.O.D.I.	452	(1)
Gang Intervention Programs	452	(1)
Evaluation of Delinquency Treatment and Prevention Strategies	453	(1)
Summary	454	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	455	(1)
References	455	(3)
Chapter 17 Rethinking the Delinquency Problem	458	(31)
Reading Objectives	458	(1)
Introduction	458	(1)
The Social Nature of Juvenile Delinquency	459	(2)
Eliminating the Marginal Status of Juveniles	461	(6)
Rites of Passage	462	(3)
Meaningful Social Participation	465	(2)
Box 17-1 Concept Application: Meaningful Social Participation for Youths	467	(1)
Standardization or Elimination of Juvenile Codes	468	(1)
Decriminalization of Status Offenses	469	(1)
Revision of the Juvenile Court	470	(4)
Limited Jurisdiction	471	(1)
Due Process	472	(1)
Professional Judges and Court Personnel	472	(1)
Dispositional Alternatives	473	(1)
Other Revisions	473	(1)
Modification of Juvenile Corrections	474	(1)
Box 17-2 Controversial Issue: Should Juvenile Courts Be Abolished?	475	(3)
Strengthening the Family	478	(1)
Changing the Educational System	479	(2)
Redefining Juvenile Delinquency	481	(3)
Summary	484	(1)
Concept Integration: Questions and Topics for Study and Discussion	485	(1)
References	485	(4)
Glossary	489	(18)
Name Index	507	(7)
Subject Index	514