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Development Theories & Crime

Social learning is based on the presumption that people learn how to behave from the groups they grow up with (Social Learning). Therefore, a child or youth who spends most of their time with others who engage in criminal behavior, such as other kids who shoplift, or perhaps older youths or adults who break into houses and steal things would be more likely to shoplift and break into houses than the average child. Deviant behavior, just like conforming behavior, is a product of socialization. This theory accounts for how a juvenile can socially learn about deviant behavior from those around him/her such as peers, family, school friends or others they may spend time with. The parents and peers are the most powerful socializing agents.

Developmental theories also explain why juveniles commit delinquent behavior and most combine elements of social theories within them (Developmental). There are three types of developmental theories. The first group are the multi-factor theories, which combine the influences of structural, socialization, choice and trait theories. The second type are the latent trait theories which assume there is a disposition to commit a crime and that personal attributed normally control the inclination to do so. The tendencies may be [present at birth, or in early life. Examples of latent traits are low intelligence, genetic abnormalities, and an impulsive personality. Because latent traits are stable, fluctuations in committing offenses over time reflect the changes in the opportunities for committing offenses. Latent trait theories could be applied to either shoplifting or breaking into houses. Since they can appear at any time, and can be triggered by opportunity, a juvenile may be in a store where there is something they really want and there is no one looking so they are tempted to shoplift. They may be hanging around with a group of friends who announce that they are planning to burgle a house do...

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Development Theories & Crime. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 16:45, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1702025.html