NCJ Number
97166
Date Published
1984
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examines the diffusion and acceptance among probation officers of particular explanations of crime and delinquency as presented in articles of the journal 'Federal Probation,' which is believed to be the journal most often read by juvenile probation officers.
Abstract
Study data came from a content analysis of the articles appearing in the journal between 1937 and 1978. A total of 563 articles related to probation were presented during this period. The articles were categorized by main focus, author characteristics, and the following six perspectives on crime and delinquency: social pathology, social disorganization, differential association and value conflict, opportunity theory, the labeling perspective, and the justice model. The dominant perspective in the early years was the social pathology model, and other models gained attention in later decades. Within 2 years of a model's introduction, it appeared in the form of an article written by a high-status practitioner or academic. Within 2 more years, it reached the line officer level; thereafter, the number of contributions declined, suggesting the adoption of the model. The potential for legitimizing a model in practice appeared to be crucial to its appeal; in contrast, its potential for research and data-gathering were not crucial. Thus, the locus of probation's professionalization efforts during the 1980's will be justice-related academic programs. Academicians involved in this development will have to adopt a defensible perspective and demonstrate how it can be implemented in a work setting. Data tables and a list of 20 references are supplied.