NCJ Number
74496
Date Published
1979
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The motives underlying the crimes of middle class youth, particularly in terms of lack of parental discipline, are discussed, and these youths' treatment by the juvenile justice system is examined.
Abstract
Although FBI statistics indicate that the number of crimes committed by middle class children has increased in recent years, few of these cases are ever taken to court. The juvenile justice system is totally unprepared for violent youths who appear to have all the beneifts of society; middle class social workers, judges, or teachers turn away in disbelief when faced woth a delinquent who is academincally successful and financially secure. This strong identification with the offender fosters a form of invisible justice in which middle class delinquency is hidden rather than challenged. Even victims and their parents are often prepared to aid in concealing such offenders. An early study proposed that poorer youths commit crimes ruthlessly as part of a rebellious subculture, while middle class delinquents commit isolated individual acts because they are emotionally disturbed. More recent research sees the middle class offender not as disturbed but as a 'conforming achiever,' that is, as a victim of the do-your-own-thing culture. Such children live in a state of flux; their parents encourage them to be self-oriented and to strive for success but leave them morally adrift by not admonishing them when their selfishness hurts others. Children with an inability to feel remorse are thus created. Often, these children, who don't learn to distinguish right from wrong, search for their models elsewhere and find them among tough street children. Although the courts and juvenile rehabilitation institutions could teach middle class delinquents to curb their devastating actions, they seldom take the opportunity to do so. Sample cases are described. A reference list is not included.