NCJ Number
205549
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2003 Pages: 9-32
Date Published
2003
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Using a sample of 743 adolescents, this study tested the comparative utility of 2 traditional explanations of delinquency (differential association and social control theory) and nonsocial reinforcement theory on violent delinquency.
Abstract
Differential association theory, which was developed by Edwin Sutherland (1939), argues that people engage in deviant activity because of "...an excess of definitions favorable to violation of law over definitions unfavorable to violation of law." Sutherland further maintained that individuals learn to engage in criminal behavior through interactions with others (peer groups) who have values and beliefs that encourage breaking the law. Social control theory is most often associated with Travis Hirschi (1969). This theory posits that we are all capable of committing criminal acts. It is only those individuals who have a strong social bond and attachment to society and social institutions who refrain from delinquent acts. Recently, nonsocial reinforcement theory has extended and reformulated social learning theory in maintaining that individuals continue to participate in deviant behavior because of the rewards they receive from it. Such rewards, argue the theory, come not from external but rather from internal stimuli. Deviancy becomes intrinsically pleasurable from a combination of the neurophysical "high" the behavior produces and the symbolic meaning of the act. In testing the explanatory power of these theories, this study obtained data from the 1997 Mississippi High School Youth Survey, which was conducted to determine adolescents' concerns and experiences with crime and law enforcement in areas under the jurisdiction of drug task forces throughout the State. The 743 participants completed a questionnaire that solicited background information and attitudes and perceptions of crime. Information was also obtained on demographics and participation in deviant activities. The dependent variable was violent behavior. The independent variables were an index of the degree to which the adolescent attains an intrinsic reward from participation in risky activity, an index representing the strength of the adolescent's bond to society, and an index of deviant attitudes of the adolescent's peers. Although all three theories adequately predicted violent delinquency among this sample of adolescents, nonsocial reinforcement had the strongest influence. Further, the association between violent delinquency and social control theory and differential association theory were contingent upon race. These findings suggest that making violent acts more risky through increased penalties may only increase the intrinsic reward of engaging in such risky behavior. Mentoring programs that develop a bond between an at-risk juvenile and a responsible adult may be more effective in developing positive emotional satisfactions from pleasing a valued authority figure. 3 tables and 49 references