Sociological Views Of Juvenile Delinquency

There are three views worth recognizing when discussing juvenile delinquency, choice views, sociological views and developmental views. These three theories attempt to explain what causes adolescents to turn to crime. Choice views of delinquency, was founded by Ceasare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham. These two theorists founded the idea that we as human have free will, and they concluded that individuals weigh the consequences of their actions before determining their actions or behaviors. The choice view of delinquency, is also referred to as rational choice theory, and it was the basis for classical criminology. Rational choice theorists believe that delinquents chose to commit crimes, and it is not determined by environmental influences.
Sociological theorists believe delinquency coincides with conditions of poverty, long-term unemployment, neighborhood deterioration, and cultural values. For example, they believe that poverty leads to social disorganization, which coincides with an erosion of traditional values. They have determined that an absence of informal, social control leads to a weakened institutional control, which aides in the development of criminal areas. Adults then pass on the social norms they have been accustomed to, which leads to a cultural transmission, which then has the ability to translate into some adolescents becoming career
It is because of these theories that schools have several methods of preventing and punishing delinquent students, for example, many schools now employ the use of closed circuit TV’s throughout the school ,and on school buses. They have introduced randomized drug screenings and locker searches, they have even employed police dogs to search for drugs, weapons, and other items that are considered contraband on school property. Many public schools have implemented a no tolerance policy regarding drugs, weapons, and even tobacco. Schools also limit access to students without proper verification, and they have employed an on duty police officer for the course of the school day. These preventative measures have successfully helped reduce many of the delinquent affairs that happen on school campuses across the country. For example, many schools no longer have to worry about fights, tobacco use, or illegal drugs due to these policies and procedures being