Many people believe that juvenile delinquency is correlated with low socioeconomic status. Children from poor neighborhoods are seen as hoodlums and not trusted to behave properly. They are discriminated against and labeled as delinquent before they even get a chance to show otherwise. There is a stigma of delinquency associated with lower class citizens in America that can somewhat blind many to the fact that crime happens throughout all classes. The appearance of high socioeconomic class puts Americans at ease. They more so trust that a child coming from a higher socioeconomic background will behave acceptably as opposed to delinquently. Jeffrey, a middle class citizen, is an example of the nondiscriminatory nature of juvenile delinquency
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The social strain theory can be seen actively in Jeff’s history of delinquency in particular. It explains that “the strain of pursuing goals within diverse opportunity structures may lead to adaptations such as crime, delinquency, and other deviant behaviors” (756). Legitimate goals like acceptance, happiness, and belonging are felt by most if not all of society. Some individuals just do not have the proper means to fulfill these goals. This can put major stain on them to find alternative ways. As a consequence of this distress, many turn to deviant and criminal means of reaching their …show more content…
The creator, Travis Hirschi, explains in this theory that most people have the potential committing crimes, but they refrain because of the norms and values held by society. Individuals who abide by the rules of society have a strong bond with society. Hirshci’s concept of social bond “is comprised of the following four elements: (1) attachment, (2) commitment, (3) involvement, and (4) beliefs” (Alston and Harley 32). When an individual’s bond is broken, they are able to engage in deviant acts which they would have otherwise avoided. This theory is important to consider when looking at crime according to socioeconomic class. All individuals have the capacity to be a criminal. There are many different factors that can contribute to criminality. For juveniles, emotional well being is a huge factor apart from socioeconomic status. In Jeff’s interview, it is obvious how his emotional instability from not having a father in his life effected his many delinquent acts and juvenile
The social strain theory can be seen actively in Jeff’s history of delinquency in particular. It explains that “the strain of pursuing goals within diverse opportunity structures may lead to adaptations such as crime, delinquency, and other deviant behaviors” (756). Legitimate goals like acceptance, happiness, and belonging are felt by most if not all of society. Some individuals just do not have the proper means to fulfill these goals. This can put major stain on them to find alternative ways. As a consequence of this distress, many turn to deviant and criminal means of reaching their …show more content…
The creator, Travis Hirschi, explains in this theory that most people have the potential committing crimes, but they refrain because of the norms and values held by society. Individuals who abide by the rules of society have a strong bond with society. Hirshci’s concept of social bond “is comprised of the following four elements: (1) attachment, (2) commitment, (3) involvement, and (4) beliefs” (Alston and Harley 32). When an individual’s bond is broken, they are able to engage in deviant acts which they would have otherwise avoided. This theory is important to consider when looking at crime according to socioeconomic class. All individuals have the capacity to be a criminal. There are many different factors that can contribute to criminality. For juveniles, emotional well being is a huge factor apart from socioeconomic status. In Jeff’s interview, it is obvious how his emotional instability from not having a father in his life effected his many delinquent acts and juvenile