NCJ Number
84235
Date Published
1981
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Containment theory, which holds that delinquency stems from an absence of the inner and outer controls that produce normative behavior, appears to fit the profile of the middle-range of delinquency cases better than any other theory of delinquency.
Abstract
Containment theory assumes that strong inner and reinforcing outer containment constitutes an insulation against normative deviancy (not constitutional or psychological deviancy). Inner containment consists mainly of self components, such as self-control, good self-concept, ego strength, well-developed superego, high frustration tolerance, high resistance to diversions, high sense of responsibility, goal orientation, ability to find substitute satisfactions, tension-reducing rationalizations, etc. Outer containment represents the structural buffer in the person's immediate social world which provides external restraint for deviant behavior and positive reinforcement of normative behavior. Containment theory does not explain the entire spectrum of delinquency and crime; e.g., it does not explain crime or delinquency which emerges from stronger inner pushes, such as compulsion, hallucinations, and personality disorders, or from organic impairments. Neither does containment theory explain criminal or delinquent activity which is part of 'normal' and 'expected' roles and activities in subculturally deviant families and communities. Between these extremes of deviancy, however, is a very large middle-range of norm violation which containment theory most accurately explains. Containment theory is useful in formulating treatment and prevention for those in the middle-range of vulnerability to deviant behavior. A total of 24 notes are listed.