Explaining Delinquency: General Sociological Theories (From Delinquency and Juvenile Control: A Sociological Perspective, P 59-96, 1989, William B. Waegel -- See NCJ-116652)

• NCJ Number: 116655
• Author(s): W B Waegel
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 38 pages
• Sale Source: Prentice Hall
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter outlines sociological theories of delinquency in the contexts of historical development and the classification of common themes.

Abstract

Research explaining sociological theory and delinquency rates is presented that describes the picture of delinquency through rate differences in urban areas. Other theories presented include the social disorganization theory, which refers to a weakening or breakdown of social control exerted by a community over its members. The anomie theory, developed by Merton, focuses on the broad structure of society in generating deviance. Responses to anomie include innovation, conformity, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion. The differential association theory, introduced by Sutherland, explores the learning of criminal behavior. Subcultural theories, including the theory of juvenile gangs representing a subculture, are analyzed. Control theories, outlining the essential character of human nature, include the social bond and the containment theory. Various conflict theories are also presented. Tables, figures, and references.