preview

Juvenile Delinquency Theories Stem From An Array Of Individual,

Decent Essays

Juvenile Delinquency theories stem from an array of individual, social and environmental conditions, in so labeling certain causes as to why juveniles commit criminal acts. Juveniles are identified as minors-under the age of 18, in which are treated separately for criminal offenses. In the film Kids, delinquent behavior is constantly demonstrated throughout the progression of the film. The film depicts a group of sexually active teenagers in New York City. Many of the characters exhibited at-risk concerns: substance abuse and early sexuality, in which directly correlates an increase in delinquent behavior. Therefore, this paper will further analyze and link four specific theories of juvenile delinquency in the film.
Edwin Sutherlands …show more content…

More specifically, this concept can be understood as the social disorganization theory. Shaw and McKay developed the notion that ecological environments are directly related to the social control of a neighborhood. If the neighborhood structure is negative, there is an undeniably increase of juvenile delinquents. Within the film, the urbanized area has a negative influence on the social and physical tendencies of the main character’s behavior. For instance, throughout the film, Telly and Casper are constantly committing delinquent behavior to obtain certain means in their neighborhood. From a scene displaying Tellys household, there is surely a struggle of money flowing into the household. Given Tellys mother’s situation with her new baby, the mother is clearly preoccupied and can’t prioritize her interest with Telly. Therefore, demonstrating a lack of parental supervision and a lack of discipline throughout the film. Evidently, with the lack of money cycled throughout the household, Telly relies on delinquent habits to surpass the structural constraints of society.
In addition, Psychodynamic trait theory by Sigmund Freud demonstrates the mental development of the main character’s personality traits in the film. Freud theorized that a personality comprises of three parts: ID, Ego and Superego. The ID represents an

Get Access