NCJ Number
115867
Journal
Criminology Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1989) Pages: 79-106
Date Published
1989
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This study analyzes Cohen's theory of methods of control by examining qualitative reports to demonstrate the emergence of the juvenile justice system in nineteenth century Boston and quantitative crime indexes to assess its impact on juvenile offenders.
Abstract
Cohen theorizes that formal efforts to control deviance fall into two categories: exclusionary programs that are punitive and intended for hard-core and defiant deviants and inclusionary programs intended to rehabilitate minor deviants. Using Cohen's theory and assessing the history of the treatment of juveniles in Massachusetts, the author points to a pattern in the juvenile justice system of Massachusetts: established inclusionary programs with rehabilitative goals are steadily transformed into exclusionary programs with punitive retributive goals. Additionally, as new inclusionary programs are begun, the definition of delinquency is expanded to include more nearly normal populations of adolescents. 37 references. (Author abstract modified)