Motivation of Teen Hate Crimes

Paper Summary:

This paper studies why and how teenagers become involved in committing hate crimes -- from white supremacists to gang-bangers. The author examines several recent sociological studies, including one by Joy G. Dryfoos, author of "Adolescents at Risk", which concludes that insufficient parental bonding can lead to antisocial behavior. The author also looks at a seven-year study of gang members in three large urban areas (Boston, New York and Los Angeles) conducted by M.S. Jankowski. The paper outlines the social character structure that Jankowski found is most common to gang members. Then the paper examines additional influences, such as drug use, family structure (or lack thereof) and the media. The paper concludes that teenagers join gangs and hate groups because the existing institutions that are supposed to meet their social and educational needs - their family, the school, the church, the community - have failed to do so.

From the Paper:

"Recent studies have shown that high-risk young people share several factors in common. According to Joy G. Dryfoos, author of Adolescents at Risk, 'Having insufficient bonding to parents, having parents who do not monitor, supervise, offer guidance, or communicate with their children, and having parent who are either too authoritarian or too permissive are all strongly associated with (delinquent) behaviors.'"

More papers on Motivation of Teen Hate Crimes:

• Essay # 932 : "The Future of Violent Hate Crimes Against Blacks in America"
• Term Paper # 142746 : "Hate Crimes In Russia"
• Analytical Essay # 123211 : "HATE CRIMES"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: