Institutions and Juvenile Delinquency in Historical Perspective

• NCJ Number: 108888
• Journal: Children and Youth Services Review Volume: 6 Dated: (1984) Pages: 155-172
• Author(s): M W Sherraden; S W Downs
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Historical Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Preliminary findings of this study were presented at the National Conference on Social Welfare in Los Angeles, May 1978

Annotation

After examining institutionalization rates for juveniles in the United States from 1820 to 1970, this study reviews common theories to explain the development of juvenile correctional institutions and offers a new theory related to the youth labor market.

Abstract

Juvenile institutionalization rates have increased from approximately 0.26 per 1,000 population in 1820 to 1.56 per 1,000 population in 1970. The most rapid growth occurred in the second half of the 19th century and again during recent decades of the 20th century. Most theories that attempt to explain this rise in the institutionalization of juveniles focus on the influence of proponents, founders, and managers of institutions. These theories, however, do not adequately explain the large increase in the institutionalization rate for juvenile delinquents that occurred from 1850 to 1880. A significant change during this period pertained to the nature of work performed by juveniles, such that attitudes about child labor were revised. Industrialization separated work from family life, and there was a long-term decline in demand for young workers. Although a direct causal relationship between delinquency and youth unemployment cannot be established, the work patterns of youth and related family bonds are apparently related to the behavioral patterns of youth and consequently their institutionalization. 3 tables and 37 references.