The Strain Theory of Understanding Juvenile Delinquency Essay

Introduction The general strain theory is an established theory that provides a basic understanding relating to different elements leading to specific criminal behaviors. The theory has been of importance in trying to map criminal patterns among individuals involved in criminal behavior, thereby creating a platform for their rehabilitation. The general strain theory has had a close connection to juvenile delinquency, as it creates a platform where psychologists can define some of the key factors

criminological theories will be discussed. Two theories will then be selected, and the main points talked about in explaining delinquency, along with possible deterrent and prevention methods for juveniles. Bartollas &Miller (2011) defines criminology as the study of theories, that try to provide an understanding of criminal behavior and crime. These theories also attempt to provide an explanation for the who, what, when, where, why, and how events occur. In this present day, juvenile delinquents are

Juvenile Delinquency Theories Through an understanding of causes of juvenile delinquency society may come to deal preventively with delinquency; certainly treatment of the offender needs to be based upon an understanding of the causal mechanisms that have produced him. In this paper we'll describe three theories of juvenile delinquency such as Social Learning Theory, General Strain Theory and Behavioral Theory and discuss appropriate preventive programs based upon these theories. In 1977 Albert

theories. A major theory used to explain female delinquency is the general strain theory (GST). According to Bartollas, “GST explains female delinquency by contending that many females experience harsh discipline, parental rejection, peer abuse, negative secondary school experience, homelessness, and a strong need for money;” these strains can cause females to cope through delinquent behavior (73). The social learning theory also explains female delinquency as “some females tend to associate with

Introduction In Canada, the treatment of juveniles started to differ from those of adults since 1857 which was the passing of the first federal legislation known Juvenile Delinquents Act (Vaz, E. W., & Baron, S. W. 1997). Juvenile Delinquency is a social phenomenon that has been a major concern in North America, specifically how they are addressed within the criminal justice system. Juvenile delinquents are described as someone between 12 to 17 who through the Canadian law has been found guilty

Another relevant theory in regards to the pattern of juvenile delinquency is Strain Theory. In 1938, Robert Merton developed the theory of Strain to describe how social structures within society may pressure citizens (low socioeconomic status) to commit crimes. Merton felt that too much pressure to achieve goals, such as financial well-being, led to behaviors such as selling drugs. Merton’s theory relates to juvenile delinquency in that adolescents might experience overwhelming stress or pressure

Robert Agnew, presented his theory of general strain, in which he covers a range of negative behaviors, especially how adolescents deal with stresses of strain. General strain theory focuses on the source, such as anything that changes in the individual’s life that causes strain. His theory provides a different outlook on social control and social learning theory for two reasons: the type of social relationship that leads to delinquency and the motivation for the delinquency (Agnew, 1992). He states

Juvenile Delinquency: Why Does it Happen? Introduction Juvenile delinquency and the rise of gangs in the youth community is a huge problem in our society today. There are many reasons to as of why the rise of juvenile delinquency is occurring, some of these reasons being wanting materialistic things, higher status/reputation, or for personal problems.  However, there are many theories to explain why they commit crimes or join gangs and their activities. Some of these theories are Strain theory, Anomie

internet and its easy access has made it exceptionally easy to target people, especially juveniles, throughout the day at any given time. Many popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram is where a lot of bullying happens to take place. I definitely understand why this has become such an enormous moral panic because of the negative influences it has on young people or juveniles. The internet makes it apparent and easy to judge others by the way someone looks, dress

Sociologist Robert Agnew introduced the General Strain Theory (GST) in 1992, which argues that strain is the leading factor that causes someone to be delinquent or criminally motived. He categorizes three major types of strain that produces delinquency: the failure to achieve positively valued goals, removal of positively valued stimuli, and the introduction of negatively valued stimuli (Agnew et al., 2002, p. 44). These different forms of strain greatly increase the chances for an individual to