A Sociological Analysis of Juvenile Delinquency

Introduction

Juvenile delinquency is deemed a major problem as it exposes various inefficiencies within the society as well as in individuals. Different arguments have been posited in the quest to explain the cause or the core reasons behind it. It is an issue that is studied in the fields of psychology, criminology and even sociology (Carrabine, 2004). As such, divergent theories have been generated from scholars from the aforementioned fields with a focus on the real reason behind juvenile delinquency. These theories are from traditional to contemporary ones. However, there is much need for a concerted approach which should be flexible enough to accommodate divergent contexts that characterize the modern-day society and its juvenile populace.

Juvenile delinquency is a notable problem to the society in that it highlights the shortcomings of the existing social structures in place. Social structures, in this case, cover the basic unit of a family to the greater society which has other notable structures such as clans, schools, religious organizations et cetera (Schroeder, Osgood, & Oghia, 2010). These structures or social units are tasked with the role of mentoring and grooming the youth in the moral or ethical ways of the society. Their breakdown or inefficiency creates room for possible delinquent behaviors among the youth. The difficulties associated with the breakdown of these structures may bring about instability stemming from economic inadequacy (Carrabine, 2004). Many teenagers that end up pursuing crime are mostly drawn from poor backgrounds. Communities that lack psychological systems may see many individuals suffering from mental illness access care. Mentally ill youth are susceptible to committing delinquent acts.

Additionally, juvenile delinquency highlights cultural deviance which might show how bad a community has fallen in preparing its youth for adulthood. The deviance may translate to the inefficiency of the custodians of the culture to advise and nurture the youth to abide by the set codes or norms. The cultural deviance is also a product of external influences such as the media. The access to some of the information relayed on the media platforms may translate to the promotion of deviant behaviors (Schroeder, Osgood, & Oghia, 2010). The media may have content which praises deviance and possibly celebrate deviant figureheads. 

To social workers, juvenile delinquency points to the need to craft strategies targeting the cohesiveness of communities and its structural makeup. This means that social workers will focus on intervening by looking at the social structures that are impactful but yet inefficient in promoting good conduct among the youth. The social worker deems the study into juvenile delinquency as pertinent in creating appropriate in establishing the right interventions that may lead to avoidance of reoffending. As such, social workers ought to have insightful knowledge in regards to individual delinquent children brought to the criminal justice department. Tailored support is what is desired with emphasis on the causes of the delinquent behavior (Carrabine, 2004). Therefore, this points to the need for background check and understanding of the prevailing contextual environment. This is pertinent in creating systems and interventions that can enable sustainable changes in a child’s conduct and operational environment. 

The social workers act as the guardians of morality and ethics in the society. This means they ought to pursue interventions geared towards promoting social norms. As such, they must establish where a mismatch exists between personal traits and the social expectations and norms. Being guardians of the social norms, they should endeavor to advise and aid the community in matching the traits of the children with the prevailing social norms and expectations. The efforts espoused by social workers in this quest are not in vain as they provide the society with a clear understanding of why juvenile delinquency is on the rise and how best it can be countered using the available interventions as advanced by the study of sociology (Schroeder, Osgood, & Oghia, 2010). 

The social workers further can act as advocates for juvenile delinquents that may be misunderstood by the society hence leading to the worsening of their qualities or characters. By offering an explanation for the delinquency, the social workers can forge an objective discourse that can offer to ensure that the existing social units and structures reconfigure to aid the children in becoming future law abiding citizens. The criminal justice department, on the other hand, must liaise with the social workers in order to establish the root cause of juvenile delinquency and possible solutions that can be pursued to ensure the rate of reoffending is reduced in this target populace (Schroeder, Osgood, & Oghia, 2010). Doing so, the criminal justice system will be less strained as its reform initiatives will be bearing fruits and in turn, create an overall reduction in crime rate with every successive age group as it graduates into adulthood and other stages.

Anomie Theories

These theories argue that “non-conforming behavior arises out of social circumstances in which individuals or groups experience normative confusion or disruption” (Thompson & Bynum, 2017). The theory further assumes that when juvenile individuals encounter frustrating or traumatic social situations, they may react in a rather deviant, and in some cases, a criminal manner (Bjerregaard, 2014). The theory has different perspectives that have continued to be redefined over the years in the quest to establish a more responsive towards delinquency and deviance. Emile Durkheim in his elaborate study of suicide acknowledged the concept of anomie. He cited that “anomie is the condition of a society or group with a high level of confusion and contradiction in its elementary social norms” (Goode, 1973). He argued that the rate of suicide was tied to serious economic depression, rapid societal change, major political crises and other notable unstable social conditions. With the usage of suicide as a deviant behavior, Durkheim presented a tangible basis for defining and understanding the concept of anomie. However, of major concern is the prevailing conditions that lead to such deviance and delinquency. 

The concept of anomie was expanded by Robert K. Merton in 1938 with the intent of transforming it into a general theory that could comprehensively cover different types of delinquent and deviant behavior (Goode, 1973). In his perspective, Merton deemed anomie as “a state of dissatisfaction emanating from a sense of discrepancy between the desires of an individual and the means that the person has available to realize these ambitions” (Thompson & Bynum, 2017). He used the American society as his context for his study where he argued that many individuals were subjected to social pressure which focussed on the notion of “getting ahead” materially to attain a high social status (Bjerregaard, 2014). However, the pursuit of this greatness sees a section of the masses, particularly those drawn from poor neighborhoods adopting deviant means to reach this end. The anomic frustration, I this case, sees many individuals focussing on the end rather than the process that one ought to follow to achieve this greatness. By lacking opportunities or the means to have ease in attaining the material wealth and status, individuals, therefore, engage in illegal goals. In a nutshell, individuals strive to achieve the culturally approved goals (wealth and high status) through anomic tendencies.

In cognizance of the theory, social work interventions can be crafted with the intent of countering juvenile delinquency. Since anomic environments exist where there is instability and contravention of the prevailing social norms, there is a need for programs focussed on restoring socio-cultural sanity ( Williams, 2012). Firstly, the development of positive mentorship programs targeting the young in the society can suffice as appropriate. This will see to it that the social workers link volunteer role models to different youthful cohorts. For instance, a local sportsman or athlete may be approached to advise the youth interested in sports on the value of discipline and respect (Shoemaker, 2010). He or she may delve into his or her past with the intent of showing how the change in behavior is instrumental in enhancing one’s chances of becoming a success in his or her field of interest. Mentorship has been used in the past by the US Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, as well as, the U.S Department of Justice in a broad fashion as a support service for both juveniles and adults leaving incarceration or preparing to do so as to re-enter their individual communities.

The social workers may also create communication platforms at the community level bringing together the youth and the adults. This will be critical in ensuring that each side expresses its opinions and perceptions on the existing within the conditions. The juvenile individuals may expound on why they feel the urge to rebel against the existing laws or status quo. On the other hand, the adults may try to expound the essence of social norms and how they promote stability within the community. These engagements may be impactful in empowering the children with the social expectations while opening doors for broad-based communication anchored on the need to create a sustainable synergy that will promote reduced juvenile delinquency within the community. 

The social workers may focus on establishing a counseling hotline for all juvenile individuals. The hotlines will be fundamental in allowing troubled youth to seek advice or acquire an avenue to relay their frustrations to qualified personnel. From this hotline, possible deviant behaviors may be arrested and countered early enough. The social workers may also seek to sensitize parents to be more involved in their children’s lives. This will be a significant step in ensuring that the basic social unit is responsive to the emerging social needs as well as social instability that may lead to the establishment of anomic behaviors in the juvenile cohort. Another intervention that may be effective in fighting juvenile delinquency may be the juvenile placement program (Shoemaker, 2010). This program will involve the social workers and social agencies linking the orphaned children or those from unstable backgrounds to proper homes that will provide them a platform to lead positive lives devoid of deviant tendencies. The placement program may also see the criminal justice partnering with social workers in running approved facilities and orphanages that will provide children with the necessary tools to become better individuals.

Social Disorganization Theory

The theory is anchored on the ecological attributes that surround a community where delinquency is precipitated by a society’s inadequacy in organizing itself (Goode, 1973). The organization, in this context, is founded on the need to restructure in a manner which is acceptable socially. For instance, an urban center may experience an influx of immigrants who may end up bringing about social strains such as the establishment of slums. In many large societies, there is lack of social uniformity which amounts to social disorganization. This means that the standard morals cannot be appreciated across the board by the heterogeneous populace. In turn, this creates indulgence in criminal activities which may eventually become prevalent due to peer influence. 

In the case of the social disorganization theory, social workers may create effective interventions in an attempt to reform and reduce juvenile delinquency rates in a community. The social workers may create community outreach programs focussed on forging ties across different neighborhoods. These engagements may see the forging of new ties and socially accepted behaviors across the different neighborhoods. The social workers in conjunction with the social agencies may look at the best way to manage migratory groups as they move into new localities. This will be integral in ensuring that these groups are equipped with the knowledge and understanding that will enable them to thrive in the new environments 

In the light of migratory groups, another intervention may be created with a focus on the new migrant youth. This will focus on ensuring that they access various public amenities such as schools and recreational facilities. This will be fundamental in introducing them to the socially accepted norms. It will see to it that they feel integrated into the dominant communities thus creating cross-relations that are within the dictates of common decency and prevailing cultures. The social workers may also create community social media platforms that will promote interaction that is positive and geared towards promoting social stability.

In light of the social stabilization theory, a number of applications may be drawn or understood. Firstly, poor immigration laws may be expounded on as chief contributors of delinquency in different heterogeneous communities. Social ties and crime rates may be dissected as possible correlated elements. Communal efficacy, on the other hand, maybe appreciated for its role in alleviating crime and criminal elements. 

Labelling Theory

This theory explains how behavior and self-identity of individuals may be influenced by the labels or terms to classify or describe the said individuals. Howard Becker, the framer of this theory, argued that “deviancy is not a quality but the act a person commits, but rather a consequence of the application by others of rules and sanctions to an “offender.” Deviant is behavior that so labels” (Porter, 1998). This meant that an act or an element which is deviant was not was committed but rather how the rest of the society react to it. In essence, the common thing with the existing acts of deviance is that they are termed or labeled as deviant by others.

A society leads to increased deviancy by the reactions that may be unfounded, biased or outrightly ignorant. For many juvenile delinquents, their acts may not warrant serious negative connotation, but by the virtue of labelling, they forge new identities as criminals or potential criminals. The social work interventions in the light of this perspective must be based on the need to address and appreciating the real identities of juvenile delinquents. By understanding the background narratives of the juvenile delinquents, labeling may be countered. Additionally, the social workers may focus on engaging the incarcerated juveniles who may be reeling under the weight of negative labeling because of their pasts. They may seek to guide the youth from avoiding the loss of self-identity due to the negative labeling which may see them back behind bars. 

The labeling theory may be applicable in the criminal justice setting where it may justify the need to hide the identities of juvenile delinquents who may have booked into the criminal justice system. Additionally, the theory may highlight the reformation intervention anchored on the need to provide the juveniles with an opportunity to become law-abiding members of the society. The theory also can be applied in the dissection of stigma as a hindrance to behavior change post-incarceration. Integration into the society for many juvenile delinquents happens to be tasking and psychologically draining especially in the face of stigma.

Advocacy

To avert or reduce rates the levels of juvenile delinquency a number of recommendations have to be considered in cognizance of the mentioned theories of anomie, social disorganization, and labeling. There is need to establish support groups which will promote cohesiveness and interventions that can tame juvenile delinquency. Public sensitization on delinquency and existing laws must be made to ensure that the public understands juvenile delinquency, its causes, and possible solutions. Additionally, community outreach programs may be forged to promote cohesiveness and promotion of commonly accepted social values.

Mentorship programs targeting youthful individuals are also appropriate in empowering the youth with life skills and motivation to become better individuals. In appreciation of the effects of labeling, an amendment in local regulations may be pursued to protect the identities of juvenile offenders. Juvenile identity protection will promote long-term change and avoid systemic condemnation for criminal status.

Tables for Theoretical Comparison Assignment

Social Problem Table* (10% of assignment grade)

Social Problem

Why is it a problem? How important is the problem to society? How important is the problem to social work?

Juvenile delinquency

It causes social disorder. It leads to creation of future hardened criminals. It burdens the criminal justice system. It strains social relations across different social groups. It defies the existing structures and institutions. It portrays cultural deviance which points out to the society inefficiencies. It exposes the influences that shape the behavior of the youth. It exposes the inadequacies of existing social institutions and actors such as parents, teachers, families, schools, religious leaders et cetera.

Traditional Theory Table (25% of assignment grade)

Traditional Theory (no more than 3)	Social Work Intervention Goals: Expected Change from Intervention:	Application of Theory
Anomie	-Develop positive mentorship programs for the youth. -Encourage individuals to foster social linkages anchored on communication and mutual concern Establishing a hotline for counseling Encourage parents to be more involved in their children’s lives. Linking orphaned and abused youth to foster homes.	The contribution of the media to the degradation of morals. The understanding of bullying in schools. Participation in street gangs.

Alternative Theory Table (25% of assignment grade)

Alternative Theory (no more than 3)	Social Work Intervention Goals: Expected Change from Intervention:	Application of Theory
Social disorganization theory	-Creation of community outreach programs. -Creating social agencies tasked with managing new migratory groups. -Carrying out orientation of new migrant youth. -Creating community social media groups for the youth.	- The contribution of poor immigration laws in promoting delinquency. -Understanding the relationship between social tires and crime rates. -Communal efficacy in alleviating crime and criminal elements.
Labeling theory	-Using proper names to address the youth. -Addressing the positive qualities of individual youths caught up in delinquency. -Sensitizing families on the implications of labeling. -Protecting the identities of youth prosecuted or committed to the criminal justice freedom.	-The importance of hiding the identities of children subjected to criminal justice procedures. - Establishing the power of second chances in the life of the children. -Dissection of stigma as a powerful tool that can hinder behavioral change.

Advocacy Opportunity Table* (10% of assignment grade)

Advocacy Opportunity

What, Why, Goals

-Establish support groups. -Create public sensitization on delinquency and existing laws - Promoting cohesiveness by creating community outreach programs. -Establishment of mentorship programs targeting youthful individuals. -Advocating for local regulations to dissuade labeling of juvenile offenders by enhancing anonymity on local media and other informational ports.

-Support groups promote cohesiveness and hybrid interventions that can tame juvenile delinquency. -Ensuring that the public understands juvenile delinquency, its causes and possible solutions. -Mentorship programs are critical in empowering the youth with life skills and motivation to become better individuals. -Juvenile identity protection will promote long-term change and avoid systemic condemnation to a criminal status.

References

Bjerregaard, B. P. (2014). Institutional Anomie Theory.  Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice , 2531-2542. doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-5690-2_217

Carrabine, E. (2004).  Criminology: A sociological introduction . London: Routledge.

Goode, W. J. (1973).  Explorations in social theory . New York: Oxford University Press.

Porter, S. (1998). Symbolic interactionism, labelling and stigma.  Social Theory and Nursing Practice , 85-104. doi:10.1007/978-1-349-14441-9_5

Schroeder, R. D., Osgood, A. K., & Oghia, M. J. (2010). Family Transitions and Juvenile Delinquency*.  Sociological Inquiry ,  80 (4), 579-604. doi:10.1111/j.1475-682x.2010.00351.x

Shoemaker, D. J. (2010).  Theories of delinquency: An examination of explanations of delinquent behavior . Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Thompson, W. E., & Bynum, J. E. (2017).  Juvenile delinquency: A sociological approach .

Williams, K. S. (2012). Anomie, strain and juvenile subculture.  Textbook on Criminology , 341-371. doi:10.1093/he/9780199592708.003.0012