NCJ Number
184895
Editor(s)
Ronald J. Berger
Date Published
1996
Length
518 pages
Annotation
Designed to be used either as a main text or as a supplemental text for students taking delinquency courses in sociology, criminology, and criminal justice programs, this book provides a sociological perspective on juvenile delinquency.
Abstract
This second edition retains all of the positive features of the first edition, but with more attention to ethnic-racial diversity. Three chapters pertain to the social construction of juvenile justice and delinquency, as they trace the history of the rationale for a separate juvenile justice system and the factors that have influenced its evolution. Two chapters discuss the measurement and social distribution of delinquency, with attention to gangs, drugs, and delinquency in a survey of urban youth, as well as trends in female delinquency in the emancipation era. The social psychology of delinquency is the focus of three chapters that discuss delinquents' perspectives on the role of the victim; social learning theory, drug use, and American Indian youths; and the effectiveness of the juvenile awareness program known as "Scared Straight." Seven chapters focus on various manifestations of juvenile delinquency, including the street life of runaways, juveniles involved with crack cocaine, the communication symbols of adolescent subcultures and group delinquency, and gangs and gang behavior. The six chapters that focus on the contemporary juvenile justice system consider factors that influence the interactions between official representatives of the juvenile justice system (police, court personnel, and corrections personnel) and the juveniles under their jurisdiction. The book concludes with a discussion of the politics of juvenile justice and future directions for juvenile justice policy. For individual chapters, see NCJ-184896-910. Chapter notes and references