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Theories of Juvenile Delinquency

👥 Sociology By CampusDown Wiki Editorial Team Last updated
Quick answer: delinquency theories explain youth rule-breaking through structural strain, learning from peers, weak social bonds and labeling.
Contents
  1. 1. Main theories
  2. 2. Implications for child welfare
  3. 3. References

Main theories

  • Strain (anomie): Merton (1938) traced deviance to the gap between cultural goals and legitimate means; Agnew broadened it into general strain theory.
  • Delinquent subculture: Cohen (1955) argued lower-class boys who fail by middle-class standards form subcultures with inverted values.
  • Differential association: Sutherland held that delinquency is learned in intimate groups.
  • Social bond: Hirschi (1969) said weak attachment, commitment, involvement and belief free youths to offend.
  • Labeling: Becker (1963) argued the delinquent label invites secondary deviance.
  • Self-control: Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) pointed to low self-control formed through early parenting.

Implications for child welfare

Strengthening family and school bonds, positive peer activities, diversion that avoids labeling and restorative justice are the main directions.

References

  1. Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
  2. Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. University of California Press.
  3. Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press.
  4. Sutherland, E. H., & Cressey, D. R. (1978). Criminology (10th ed.). Lippincott.

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This article was last updated on October 15, 2026. It is based on widely recognized original works and textbooks; when citing it in a paper, please check the original sources listed in the references.