Outline And Assess Sociological Explanations Of The Relationship Between Age And Crime
Outline and assess sociological explanations of the relationship between age and crime
The peak age for offending is between 15 and 18, with young males much more likely to offend than females. Young people have always been over-represented in the crime statistics, and in deviant activity in general. Official statistics show that roughly half of all those convicted are aged 21 or under, and a 2002 self-report survey found that almost half of Britain’s secondary school students admitted to having broken the law. Cohen (1971), status frustration: young people are frustrated at being caught in the transition between child and adult status/lack of an independent status in society. The peer group provides some support for an identity and status that is independent of school or family, and therefore takes on a greater importance among young people. The lack of responsibilities and status, and the search for excitement and peer-group status, mean that many young people drift into minor acts of delinquency and clashes with the law. Peer-group pressure may also give young people the confidence and encouragement to involve themselves in minor acts of delinquency, which they would not engage in on their own. This problem of status frustration affects all young people, and explains why many of …show more content…
Young working class individuals feel they are economically and socially deprived compared to their white middle class peers, e.g. standards of living. Another reason for delinquent behaviour among working class juveniles is marginalization. Young working class individuals may feel powerless to change their situation using legitimate means. They feel that those in power are more interested in harassing them in stop and searches. Young people with similar attitudes may unite in the form of subcultures - territorial gangs or collective
The peak age for offending is between 15 and 18, with young males much more likely to offend than females. Young people have always been over-represented in the crime statistics, and in deviant activity in general. Official statistics show that roughly half of all those convicted are aged 21 or under, and a 2002 self-report survey found that almost half of Britain’s secondary school students admitted to having broken the law. Cohen (1971), status frustration: young people are frustrated at being caught in the transition between child and adult status/lack of an independent status in society. The peer group provides some support for an identity and status that is independent of school or family, and therefore takes on a greater importance among young people. The lack of responsibilities and status, and the search for excitement and peer-group status, mean that many young people drift into minor acts of delinquency and clashes with the law. Peer-group pressure may also give young people the confidence and encouragement to involve themselves in minor acts of delinquency, which they would not engage in on their own. This problem of status frustration affects all young people, and explains why many of …show more content…
Young working class individuals feel they are economically and socially deprived compared to their white middle class peers, e.g. standards of living. Another reason for delinquent behaviour among working class juveniles is marginalization. Young working class individuals may feel powerless to change their situation using legitimate means. They feel that those in power are more interested in harassing them in stop and searches. Young people with similar attitudes may unite in the form of subcultures - territorial gangs or collective