Delinquency Theories

This book provides a comprehensive overview of theories of juvenile delinquency. It begins with a description of what a theory is and how theories are created in the social sciences. The remaining chapters describe particular theories a " such as social learning theory a " by first, telling the tale of a delinquent youth and, second, thoroughly reviewing the particular theory and related research designed to explain the youtha (TM)s delinquent behavior. The third and fourth sections of each chapter critically analyze the theories and provide a straightforward discussion of policy implications of each. These latter sections have two important aims: (a) They invite the reader to join an evaluation of the usefulness of the theories; and (b) they encourage consideration of the relationship between theory and policy. By linking the theories to real-world examples and discussing their policy implications, they may be "brought to life" and made more relevant to the reader.