"Little Boy Blue"

Paper Summary:

The paper analyzes how Alex, a character in "Little Boy Blue" by Edward Bunker, represents an example of how social institutions criminalize young boys into juvenile delinquents. The writer argues that the corruption of foster homes and Juvenile Hall represents the institutionalizing process. In this manner, Alex is not merely mimicking other young boys through Labeling Theory, but is being manipulated through the tenants of Merton's Strain Theory in causal deviant behavior.

From the Paper:

"This essay will examine the role of Strain Theory within the format of juvenile delinquency that arises within the novel Little Boy Blue by Edward Bunker. In this sociological perspective, Merton's Strain Theory defines how Alex Hammond becomes "institutionalized" within a segregated and racist system, which acts as a cause to his latter criminal behaviors in the novel. In essence, Strain Theory adequately explains the role of Merton's philosophy that unequal means are allocated "equal goals" in demonstrating why Alex is slowly corrupted by the social institutions in Bunker's novel. The first part of Little Boy Blue depicts Alex being manipulated by social institutions that he must invariably grow up within."

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