The Pattern Of Juvenile Delinquency Is Strain Theory

Another relevant theory in regards to the pattern of juvenile delinquency is Strain Theory. In 1938, Robert Merton developed the theory of Strain to describe how social structures within society may pressure citizens (low socioeconomic status) to commit crimes. Merton felt that too much pressure to achieve goals, such as financial well-being, led to behaviors such as selling drugs. Merton’s theory relates to juvenile delinquency in that adolescents might experience overwhelming stress or pressure in their peer groups to have more money, to fit in, or to be influential. These social stressors will perpetuate delinquency because the teens will want to participate in criminal activity to solve such problems. In 1992, Robert Agnew†¦show more content†¦There are two types of strain theory—objective strain and subjective strain. Objective strain results from events that have become stressful such as the passing of a family member (Huck, Spraitz, Bowers, Morris, 201 7). Subjective strain is what an individual sees as stressful for their own self (Huck, Spraitz, Bowers, Morris, 2017). Latinos in the United States are growing at a fast rate. According to the 2007 United States Census Bureau, Latinos comprise about 14.7% of the population. Latinos have socio-cultural differences that have impacted research. For an example, there are only certain geographical locations where the majority of Latinos are located (Rodriguez Belshaw, 2010). The educational levels for Latinos are lower and the amount of income Latinos bring in is also substantially lower. Latinos also share different traditional values such as familism, respect, honor, brotherhood, and gender role differences (Rodriguez Belshaw, 2010). The social and cultural differences of Latinos may lead them to encounter a different set of stressors that can affect the juvenile delinquency of the Latino population (Rodriguez Belshaw, 2010). A study conducted by Mazerolle and Maash using data fro m the National Youth Survey examined if the stresses that Latinos experience on account of exposure to delinquent peers or values affect deviant behavior of Latino Youths (Rodriguez Belshaw, 2010). The study argued that theShow MoreRelatedThe Relationship Between Social Class and Delinquency Essays1498 Words   |  6 Pagespreconceived notions regarding the relationship between social class and delinquency. A common assumption is that lower-class juveniles are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior than their higher-class counterparts. Criminologists have performed a large number of studies examining the socio-demographic characteristics of delinquents, which often yielded contradictory results. 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