NCJ Number
161347
Date Published
1996
Length
292 pages
Annotation
This is a comprehensive survey of major theoretical approaches to the understanding of delinquent behavior.
Abstract
The introductory chapter considers the problem of delinquency, the issue of causality, the definition of a theory, and the verification of theories. Each of the subsequent chapters focuses on particular categories of delinquency theory: the classical school (rational choice theory), biological and biosocial explanations, psychological theories, social disorganization and anomie, lower-class-based theories, interpersonal and situation explanations, control theories, labeling theory, female delinquency, and integrated delinquency theory. The format is the same in most chapters. First, a brief historical overview of the theory or set of theories is presented. Next, the basic assumptions of these theories are examined. These items are followed by discussions of specific theories within the general set, including specific assumptions, key concepts, a general discussion, and an evaluation. Each chapter concludes with a summary and comparative overview. Exceptions to this format occur in the chapters on female delinquency and integrative theory. This third edition contains updated discussions of the theories. New chapters address classical theory and provide an expanded discussion of female delinquency that includes feminist perspectives, as well as an expanded examination of theoretical integration. The proposed integrated model incorporates three levels of conceptualization: structural (pertaining to societal conditions), individual (biological and psychological), and social-psychological (social controls, self-esteem, and peer associations). Chapter notes and references and author and subject indexes