Analysis

Posted: August 27th, 2021

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Analysis – Chapter 3

1. Distinguish Between the Two Branches of Individual-Level Theories of Delinquency

The two branches of individual-level theories include the differential susceptibility theory and vulnerability theory. In the case of the differentiability theory, it is claimed that the environment a person lives in influences his behavior. On the other hand, vulnerability theory claims that there is an existing link between individual traits and traits. As such, some individuals are likely to engage in crime from their childhood. However, the two theories acknowledge that environmental and personality traits influence the individual tendency to crimes. Hence, despite the disparity in the two models, they exhibit a converging view on factors that contribute to delinquency as analyzed in Chapter 3.

• Explain The Principles of Choice Theory

The choice theory explains that individuals have control over their actions and feelings. It emphasizes that all behavior are chosen. It was proposed by  Dr. William Glasser, who opined that human behavior is driven by the need for satisfying five main human needs, which form the principles of the theory. The first principle explains the need for acceptance and being loved, the second one is about the quest for freedom, the third one is the quest for fun and survival. These are the key principles in the model. However, these principles guide individual behavior. Equally, they are affected by factors such as education and upbringing. Thus, the interaction of these principles with external individual behavior affects their choices in life.

• Discuss The Routine Activities Theory of Delinquency

The Routine Activities theory of delinquency argues that a crime happens when there is the convergence of three major things. These include the existence of a suitable target, a motivated offender, and the absence of a capable guardian. The theory, advanced by Cohen and Felson (Chapter 3), explains that there is an exercise of routine activities both for the victim and the offender. Therefore, the ultimate goal of routine activities is the existence of the about factors that result in a crime.

• Critique The Principles of General Deterrence Theory

According to deterrence theory, criminal offenses can be stopped or reduced through threats of punishment. The theory is forward-looking. However, the presence of high recidivism rates shows that punishment or threats of punishment do not work. Equally, almost the entire criminal justice system is influenced by rational choice theory. The rational choice explains that it is a personal choice to engage in crimes hence punishment is not possible. Thus, people commit crimes on choice, not by coincidence.

• Examine The Concept of Specific Deterrence

Specific deterrence is about using punishment in addressing a criminal activity to discourage a particular person from repeating the same crime. This type of deterrence aims to urge the offender to stop breaking low in the future. Hence, specific deterrence provides an actual punishment to stop further engagement in the crime.

• Discuss The Concept of Situational Crime Prevention

Situational crime prevention believes that it is possible to avert crimes by changing the environmental conditions. It explains how crimes happen with little emphasis on why the crime. Thus, its aim is how to prevent crime from happening by changing the situation of the crime.

• Trace The History and Development of Trait Theory

Trait theory focuses on studying human personality. The theory was first pioneered by Gordon Allport (Chapter 3). His work formed the basis of modern psychological studies of human personality. Later, various developments of a variety of trait theory emerged with other scholars. These include Raymond Cattel, who developed the 16PF Questionnaire, Henry Murray who developed the system of needs theory, and Timothy Leary with the interpersonal circumflex theories, among others. Hence, the theory has developed into different forms today.

• Evaluate The Branches and Substance of Biological Trait Theory

According to the biological trait theory proponents, the views of biosocial theorists are not deterministic. They argue that there are people who were born criminals. Hence, they are susceptible to being anti-social or violent. Equally, such individuals are likely to be influenced by environmental conditions. Likewise, the behavior is an outcome of interactions with the environment and biological conditions. However, critics of this theory argue that it lacks sufficient empirical tests to ascertain its arguments. Hence, the problems in the methods of testing the theory are challenging in verifying the theory.

• Compare The Various Psychological Theories of Delinquency

Psychological theories emphasize mental conditions of crime about individual learning, criminal behavior, intelligence, and personality. The major theories include learning theories, personality theory, psychopathy theory, intelligence theory, and social development theory. Thus, all the psychological theories argue that individual development and environmental influence affect their perspective on crimes.

1. Examine The Psychological Traits That Have Been Linked to Delinquency

Different psychological traits are linked to juvenile delinquency. Notable psychological traits include aggressiveness and impulsivity. Thus, consistency with these characters without guidance has the potential to influence people to engage in criminal behavior. Hence, this is worsened with negative environmental conditions the expose juveniles to bad behavior.