Juvenile Delinquency

Young juveniles, both male and female, have many differences in attitudes, values, and behavior. “Socialization has also been identified as a cause of delinquency. Males are socialized to be tough and aggressive, females to be passive and obedient” (Juvenile, 2005, p 151). Early socialization viewed the young female more as a troubled female lacking the love of parents in the home and had no supportive peer relations. Many young male have a great deal more of aggressive behaviors and don’t form close friendships with others. These factors can contribute to their crime activities. Young males want to feel the power to do whatever they want, socialize with many deviant peers and freedom to hang with their friends (Juvenile, 2005). “Adults may be more tolerant of deviant behavior in boy’s and expect boys to act tough and take risks” (Juvenile, 2005, p 144). Some parents believe girls needs control and because of this are stricter. Young females are not as aggressive and do form friendships with others. Girls are able to deal with more conflict because of their verbal proficiency. Many view verbal aggression as a lack of good self-control. Many males are not as good in school as females. A female could become a victim of sexual and physical abuse in the home and in the community.

I believe the circumstances and the conditions that we are raised in do influence our criminal behavior. If a person is raised in a dysfunctional family; they tend to display aggressive behavior which could lead to criminal behavior in adulthood. Children learn behavior by observing and modeling others especially in the family. If the parent shows criminal behavior the child will model themselves after that parent. Parental rejection has lot to do with a child’s criminal behavior. Many youths have poor home life, bad behavior with neighbors, family teachers and friends. “Adolescent aggression is a result of disrupted dependency relations with parents” (Juvenile, 2005, p 70). Within the...