NCJ Number
129407
Date Published
1990
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Characteristics of individuals and their relation to delinquent behavior have been studied using biological, psychological, sociological, behavioral, and economic theories.
Abstract
The most basic point frequently made about biological correlates of crime and delinquency is that biological variables should be considered as part of a more comprehensive explanation. Biological factors influence how persons perceive and interact with each other, and any condition that affects how one interacts with others inevitably influences behavior. Biological factors appear to be related to the gender distribution of crime and delinquency. Biological pathologies may act as causal factors in delinquent behavior, and persons who exhibit pathological symptoms may be labeled as delinquent or otherwise deviant. Psychologists have developed several theories to account for differences in delinquent behavior, including psychoanalytic and social learning or social cognitive theories. One of the chief strategies used by psychologists to study delinquents is to develop offender typologies. Sociological perspectives on motivation and learning focus on role theory, role taking, reference groups, and labeling. The emphasis of social control theory is on control rather than on motivation to commit a criminal act. Economic theory related to delinquent behavior assumes that individuals choose to allocate time and resources and to act in a way that will maximize expected utility or general well-being. It is concluded that agreement clearly exists on some principles of individual behavior causation. A case study of parental decisionmaking and child socialization is presented. 54 notes