Causes Of Juvenile Delinquency. Authors John Hagan And

Causes of Juvenile Delinquency Authors John Hagan and Bill McCarthy of Cambridge University offer an insight between the relationship between juveniles and their participation to criminal activities. According to them, the primary theories they employed in understanding the dynamics of youth taking to the street are control theory and strain theory (Benjamin, 1999). Through control theory, the authors point out erratic parenting, family deprivation, neglect and abuse and other forms of parental rejection increases the chances of a minor to commit a crime. In short, control theory pinpoints failure of the parents. Strain theory, on the other hand, emphasizes on the consequences of the young individual to avoid painful aversive events,†¦show more content†¦When the idea of a father has disappeared (he had become something else to her. He has become a threat); a negative stimulus (Bresha was being beaten and abused continuously); and the inability to reach the desired goal (there was not going to be a reconc iliation between father and daughter/father and mother/father and family). Strain theory also fits with criminological theories. In Criminology: Theories, Patterns, Typologies, Seigel documented eight instances of possible violence: personal traits, ineffective families, substance abuse, human instincts, regional values, cultural values, gangs, and the availability of weapons (Seigel, 2004 cited in Patterns and Trends). The following sources all fall back to strain that breaks down the barrier that separates juvenile and adult crime. What made Bresha’s case different to other juvenile delinquent case is that because it comes from strain, it can be distinguished from conventional, motive-driven crimes. Seigel differentiated crimes as being instrumental or expressive. By instrumental, he meant criminals resorting to such acts to improve their financial or social condition; whereas expressive actions are the release of anger or rage. The former often requires premeditations, while the latter comes from abrupt impulsiveness. Bresha’s delinquency fell as an expressive action. Often, the resulting emotion following a crime committed as a result of strain is that the attempt to justify the act. Sykes and MatzaShow MoreRelatedControl Theory15246 Words   |  61 Pages6 The Complexity of Control Travis Hirschi 1935– University of Arizona Author of Social Bond Theory Hirschi’s Two Theories and Beyond T ravis Hirschi has dominated control theory for four decades. His influence today is undiminished and likely will continue for years, if not decades, to come (see, e.g., Britt Gottfredson, 2003; Gottfredson, 2006; Kempf, 1993; Pratt Cullen, 2000). Beyond the sheer scholarly talent manifested in his writings, what accounts for Hirschi’s enduring influence onRead MoreEssay on Criminological Theories13456 Words   |  54 PagesIntegrating Criminological Theories 4 7 11 15 18 22 25 28 32 35 38 41 3 Chapter 1 Introduction to Criminological Theory Terms Causality. A concept more applicable to the hard sciences. Does the appearance of X cause effect Y? In a perfect relationship, the appearance of X would always cause the effect Y. each and every time the relationship is seen. Empirical Validity. This is the most important factor in evaluating a theory, and means that the theory has been supported by research evidence. Ideology