Control Theory And Juvenile Delinquency

Continuing on into the next theory, Social Learning theory explains how juveniles can become reinforced through committing delinquent acts by the association with delinquent peers. Studies suggests that there is an increase during the adolescent stage of life in which the juvenile spends more time with peers, increasing the likelihood of peer influence. The importance of peer influence peaks around the age 17, and declines after (National Research Council Staff, 2001). Juveniles can be reinforced or punished positively or negatively. Positive reinforcement is when the juvenile is more likely to engage in something due to the addition of a positive stimulus. Negative reinforcement is when the juvenile is more likely to engage in something due …show more content…
Control theory is when the juvenile’s behavior depends on the level on control provided by an authoritative figure. When the control is low, such as when an authoritative figure is not paying attention, the juvenile is more likely to commit delinquent acts. In the eyes of the juvenile, the less control over them, the better. When there is a low attachment to the teacher, the juvenile feels as if he/she is in control. Juveniles are more likely to act out and commit delinquent acts when the control is low due to fewer consequences being inflicted. Negative school experiences allow the juvenile to feel the control in their actions and behavior (Agnew & Brezina, 2015). Juveniles who display bonds that are weak or broken to academic institutions are more likely to be delinquent. There are four bonds in which juveniles form to institutions such as emotional attachment, commitment to long-term goals, involvement in activities, and belief in “moral validity of the law”. The weaker these bonds are, the more likely the juvenile is to turn to delinquent acts for attachment, especially when it comes to school (Peguero, Popp, Latimore, Shekarkhar & Koo, 2011). When a juvenile is attached to school and the resources it provides, he/she is less likely to deviate from that attachment to go to delinquent …show more content…
Schools that are considered low in delinquency typically are in better parts of town in which affects the school. These schools tend to be warm but firm, meaning that the intentions for the juveniles are warm and open. However, there are boundaries and once crossed, consequences are made. Schools that are lower in delinquency more times than not have: better resources, typically meaning that the teacher to student ratio provides a better opportunity for learning; good discipline, clearly stating that rules and consequences will be reinforced; opportunities for success, having teachers encourage students to continue education; high expectations, including good working conditions with positive attitudes towards students and their achievements; and strong community involvement, keeping parents are in the know and involved. These descriptions often create less strain, greater control, reinforcement (positively/negatively), and a less likelihood of labeling on the juvenile (Agnew & Brezina, 2015). One could see why there are negative school experiences when the school is unlike the “ideal” school stated above. Schools in poor communities usually have more delinquent juveniles that attend the school. With schools that are higher in delinquency, juveniles are more likely to deviate from the boundaries due to lacking areas in the school. If it is not obvious