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The Anomie Theory Of Juvenile Delinquency

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The set of the structural-functional theories are among the most widespread perspectives on the juvenile delinquency. The group of the theories regards that the behavior of the underage delinquent is caused by the breakdown of the social process that consequently results in the increase of conformity (Thompson & Bynum, 2016). The group of theories presumably blame institutions that are responsible for the socialization of the young delinquents for the way the socialize the individuals by causing them to conform to the values of the society. One of the central theories of the juvenile delinquency is the anomie theory that is rooted in the early studies by the sociologist Emile Durkheim. The term "anomie," in this regard, stands for the absence of social regulation (Siegel, & Welsh, 2014). American sociologist Robert Merton emphasized the faulty relationship between the goal of the individual or the group of individuals and the legal means by which it is possible to achieve the goals (Thompson & Bynum, 2016). Robert Merton divided the goals into two distinct categories: the goals defined by culture and the acceptable means. Materialistic goals, such as a search for financial success, fall into the former category, whereas the goals such as education fall into the former (Thompson & Bynum, 2016). The main argument made by Merton is that the goal of achieving success is shared by the majority of people, whereas the seeking opportunities to do this legally through the means of
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Usually when a youth is classified as a delinquent it is associated with antisocial behaviors within the family and in the community such as aggression and can lead to related problems such as vandalism, substance usage and running away, theft, robbery, and larceny, gang memberships and school shootings. Juveniles are typically not charged like adults unless the crime is serious. Delinquency in the United States is examined with the emphasis on its relation to local communities and the groups and institutions that form the social world of children and adolescents (Cavan &

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Many acts of delinquency have often been explored and researched. Sociologist have created theories in order to explain the crimes and why they have occurred. These theories can be applied to the convicts in order for sociologist to fully comprehend the absolute motive to the crime. The crimes committed by Nancy Hazle, known as Nannie Doss and the “Giggling Granny,” can be interpreted and scrutinized using theories that have been developed by well-known sociologist. Including Robert Merton’s strain theory and Walter Reckless's control theory.

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The juvenile justice system is a system created to handle minors who are convicted of crimes to separate them from adult court. The justice system has many problems with racial discrimination amongst juveniles. The four theories explain the reasons sociologists explain why they believe such discrimination against other race happens. The strain theorists believe strain and stressful things on racial discrimination among juvenile delinquents are the reason why there is an increase in juvenile delinquency. The control theorists idea is that people with low levels of control especially in racial situations are more likely to have an increase in delinquency.

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This theory gets to the root of most of the troubles and assists policymakers find a solution, even if it is just short term. Many of these policies are designed to protect the rights of children and reduce the number of delinquents. In Juvenile Delinquency in a Diverse Society, Kristin Bates writes that, “Plenty of other groups have utilized anomie theories to inform delinquency and crime-related policies today, such as the “I Have A Dream” Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of America.” She argues that these and many of other organizations create and defend policies designed to influence the younger generation in a positive

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A - The Theory of Delinquency and Opportunity is a criminological theory that suggests that delinquent behavior is a result of the intersection between an individual's predisposition towards deviance and the opportunities for that deviance that are available in their environment. According to this theory, lower-class individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior because they have fewer legitimate opportunities available to them to achieve success and material wealth. This lack of opportunities can lead to

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Merton’s Anomie theory lent credence to various subculture theories such as Albert Cohen’s lower class reaction theory, Cohen suggests “formation of delinquent gangs is the result of status deprivation” (Hagan, 2008. P.151). According to Cohen, (1955.) The boys who became part of gangs aspire toward standards that were opposite to those of the middle class, meaning “lower class reaction to middle class values”, Cohen explains the delinquent culture produced by gang involvement as not done to achieve monetary success, but rather status within the gang (Cohen, 1955. P.

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Juvenile delinquency as a concept did not always exist as we know it today, nor did the concept of childhood. During the Middle Ages (500-1500 AD) children were merely depicted as miniature adults and were faced with severe physical punishment for offences. As most children entered the adult world of labour at a very young age through apprenticeship, discipline was severe as their Master was held accountable for any sign of disobedience. Apprenticeship was realised as an effective form of control over children and it unknowingly became the first form of “detention” for delinquent children. These children were put to work in agriculture, domestic services or trading and it became a means of keeping them out of trouble.

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