Abstract This paper presents a case study which illustrates how latent traits and environmental factors combine to create delinquentbehavior. Specifically, the paper explores the family life of a troubled teen and the failed interventions which sought to rescue him from a life of crime. The paper also looks at the consequences of the young person's actions and considers how his behavior fits in with orthodox descriptions of delinquentbehavior. Finally, the paper discusses and analyzes the social control theory and the self-control theory which offer potential explanations for his behavior and suggests that one of them appears to offer a more accurate insight into "Steven's" plight than the other.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Self-Control Theory and DelinquentBehavior
From the Paper "Ultimately, this writer believes that both the social control theory and the self-control theory offer significant explanations for Steve's delinquency. However, the self-control theory actually appears rather more pertinent insofar as Steven was, by all accounts, a rebellious and even violent child from a very early age. As well, it is commonly known that his parents were dominant factors in his early life - because of social isolation, he spent far more time with them than with anyone else (he was, in fact, home-schooled at one point by his mother) - and both Steven's father and his grandfather had serious "run-ins" with the law. This evidence suggests that a genetic predisposition to antisocial behavior may run in the family and, to the extent this is true, then Steven's problems are the manifestation of a latent trait that has always been there and perhaps will always be there."
Abstract The paper discusses how social structure theories attempt to analyze the driving forces that change society and that sociologists who study social change use the study of both criminology and sociology to draw conclusions about criminal behavior. The paper further explains that the three main branches of social structure theories are the social disorganization theory, the social strain theory and the cultural deviance theory. In this paper, the major social structural theories are defined and analyzed. The culmination of this paper addresses the question - How well have social structure theories explained delinquentbehavior in society?
From the Paper "The strain theories express the discontent of Americans who fail to achieve the American dream. Crimes committed by white collar, middle class workers can be explained by the strain theories. An example of this is workplace violence, which, according to a Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Characteristics accounts for 18 percent of all violent crime between 1993 and 1999 . Unfortunately, it is not unheard of for a worker who was recently fired to return to his old employer to vent his anger by opening fire on anyone in site. Such violence demonstrates how competition to succeed prompts crime as the anomie theory contends."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts three different theories in behavioral science organizations and models, and the strengths and weaknesses of each model. It produces examples of the models in practice and the impact of technology on organizations.
From the Paper "Alternatives to the rational bureaucratic model of organizations have been developed in recent years. Many of these systems have moved well beyond Fordism an organizational system characterized by ..."
An analysis of J. B. Watson's theory of Behaviorism which studies the overt, observable, and measurable aspects of human activity hoping to control and predict behavior.
Abstract The paper explains the theory of Behaviorism and explains that by taking thoughts, feelings, and sensations out of consideration, Behaviorists do not provide complete results from their experiments, as all possible explanations have not been explored. The paper also concludes that when results are taken and applied to society, overgeneralizations may take place. The paper provides an example of this overgeneralization by presenting and analyzing the Little Albert study done with R. Rayner in 1920.
From the Paper "In the twentieth century, a new school of thought emerged. John B. Watson's Behaviourism is a structured and limiting system of psychology that dismisses subject matter that cannot be tested empirically or operationally. This strictness presented by Watson rejected the conscious mind creating a narrow point of view, which in turn led to the overgeneralization of results."
This paper looks at two studies of delinquent children: "Crime & Human Nature" by James Q. Wilson and Richard J. Herrnstein and the work of Deborah Gorman-Smith et al.
Abstract The paper discusses the theories of Wilson and Herrnstein who have found that broken homes by themselves do not necessarily cause children to engage in delinquentbehavior. These opinions are compared to those of Gorman-Smith et al. who explore the effects of the different types of family problems on delinquentbehavior. The writer finds that these studies have serious and important implications for social workers working with families in crisis.
From the Paper "Reviewing the studies that examine the effect of broken homes on delinquent behavior, Wilson and Herrnstein actually found many studies that did not establish a relationship between family structure and delinquent behavior. Therefore, there is a mixed response towards the association between these two aspects. Wilson and Herrnstein make perceptive observations about the nature of these contradictory findings: the lack of a common definition of a "broken home"; the effects of the surrounding neighborhood; parental traits; and socioeconomic status (Wilson & Herrnstein, 19?, pp. 248-249). Thus, these factors should be considered in such studies in order to create an unbiased experiment."
Abstract This paper looks at how juvenile delinquency is linked to the families the offenders come from. Links are examined in regards to the abuse of children during childhood, low levels of family affection and high levels of family conflict, the use of ineffective or inconsistent disciplinary practices and the structure of the family.
From the Paper "The first and most obvious cause in the family is most probably the lack of parental affection or parental rejection. This happens mostly in families whereby the parents are very busy, broken homes or those where arguments are part of a daily routine. Cernkovich and Giordano (1987) found that ?delinquent behavior in a large sample of high-school students was associated with parent-adolescent conflict, low parental acceptance and low parental caring and trust.? Children that feel rejected or unloved may sometimes find ways to attract attention. The ways children do so varies from just crying all day long or calling their parents every single second, to committing crimes. This is why some children of rejecting parents display aggressive behavior. Interactions between parents and child are also important to prevent the child from feeling rejected. J. Pincus said, ?Parenting that promotes interpersonal and communicative relations, academic and professional skills, as well as encourages the development of normative values and positive behavioral standards in children.? This positive interaction between parent and child is important in establishing a strong bond and the formation of appropriate behavioral characteristics in children."
An investigation of juvenile delinquency and its relationship to unresolved grief due to the death of a parent or parents from ages 7-11 years using Piaget's concrete operational stage of development.
Abstract The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate unresolved grief in children ages 7-11 years, an age range that corresponds to Piaget's concrete operational stage, due to the death of a parent(s) and if and or how it manifests into delinquentbehavior. To this end, this dissertation employs a historical-comparative methodology to answer the guiding research questions. The dissertation is guided by the following specific research questions: 1.What is the incidence of juvenile delinquency among children who have experienced the loss or one or both parents during Piaget's concrete operational stage, ages 7-11 years? 2. What treatment interventions have been proven effective in helping children resolve the grief associated with the loss of one or both parents? 3. Are there cultural, gender and socioeconomic differences among children that affect their coping abilities? 4. What specific differences exist between adults and children in terms of coping skills and how can clinicians use this information to facilitate grief resolution?
Outline
Abstract
Key Word Definitions
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
Preliminary Bibliography
Chapter 4: Data Analysis
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "The study of "resilient" and "invulnerable" children has provided researchers with a new and different focus in the primary prevention of mental illness in adults. Resilient children are those who, because of stressful life events, are at risk of developing later psychological dysfunctions, but do not. As examples: every teenage parent does not quit school and live on welfare; most behaviorally disordered children do not become dysfunctional adults; not all high school dropouts fail to make a good living; and many adjudicated delinquents do not become adult offenders (Brown & Felner, 1991). Based on the wide range of stress-producing factors that may occur throughout childhood and even prior to birth (e.g., in utero cocaine addiction), it is understandable that past research would provide limited coverage. For example, Garmezy and Rutter volume ( 1989) provided an understanding of the neurochemical and physiological aspects of stress, a description of stress-producing factors that occur during infancy and early childhood, and an understanding of coping mechanisms associated with resiliency-all considered within the context of childhood development (Brown & Felner, 1991)."
Abstract The paper shows that there are a number of different views of the meaning of rape, its causes and other issues of importance. Different theorists and analysts have offered their view of the meaning of this act, the reason why this type of violence seems necessary to some people, the effect of rape on the victim, and the view taken of these matters by society. The paper explains that criminologists take different views of the causes of rape based on different theories of behavior. It examines two such theories - The 'Social Learning Theory' as set forth by a number of theorists, among them Ronald Akers and 'Radical Feminist Theory', which combines a feminist perspective on society with ideas about what causes human behavior. In terms of rape, this means male behavior. The paper shows that in some ways, both theories address rape from a perspective involving learned behavior and would try to solve the problem by substituting a different learning structure. It explains that where Akers and the Radical Feminists differ is in their definitions of rape and so in terms of the behavior they are explaining.
From the Paper "Akers (1998) states that his General Theory "is applicable to all types of criminal and deviant behavior, from minor violations of social norms to the most serious and organized criminal activities" (Akers, 1998, xx). He offers a chapter on rape and sexual aggression in which he calls such crimes "sexual access," and describes the crime in terms of non-consensual sexual intercourse. This brings him into conflict with some feminists on the subject, such as Rozee (1994), who states that "limiting definitions of rape to only non-consensual sexual intercourse ignores some of the most violent and obviously non-sex-related cases of rape that occur, such as penetration with objects" (Rozee, 1994, 500). It would also exclude male victims, victims who are underage, wives, and the non-forcible rape of an incapacitated victim, which Rozee would not exclude."
Tags: 'Social, Learning, Theory, Radical, Feminist, Theory
Abstract This paper begins by discussing the theories of existentialism and how they fit into modern philosophy. The paper discusses the various proponents of existentialism and their theories. The paper then discusses the theory of behaviorism, and Skinner's theory of Neo-behaviorism. The paper explains Skinner's research and theories, showing how they differ from existentialist theories in that they claim that human beings do not fully control all of their behaviors.
From the Paper "It must be remembered that over the hundreds and thousands of years from the beginning of the existence of man, Western philosophy has become more and more abstract, and also become quite removed and distant from the real lives of human beings. This fact is especially evident in the quest for answers to questions like the true nature of knowledge, the nature of truth, and so on, the real person or the real human beings have been relegated to the background and, in the high philosophical theories, there is no room today for the real people of this world anymore. This is the reason that existentialist theory focuses on real people, and states that all human beings must be given independence, a choice, etc., and that one must be able to make one's own choices in one's own life, and therefore take up responsibility for the choices that one has made out of his own free will. (What is Existentialism? History of existentialism, Existentialist Philosophy)"
An examination of individuals and theories of Ivan Pavlov, John Locke, John Watson and Burrhus Frederic Skinner and their impact on the theory of behaviorism.
Abstract This paper discusses and defines the theory of behaviorism and how it relates to present day therapy. The paper examines many historical scientists' theories and ideas which provided the needed information so that behaviorism could be born. It also explains how John Watson is considered the founder of behaviorism even though the theory has been documented back to the times of Aristotle. The historical roots of behaviorism and present day uses are also examined in this paper.
Outline:
Abstract
Behaviorism History of Behaviorism John Watson: Behaviorism Ivan Pavlov: Classical Conditioning
John Locke: Tabula Rasa
B.F. Skinner: Operant Conditioning
Aristotle
Current Use
From the Paper "Throughout history, many scholars have theorized that environment plays an important role in defining the outcome of an individual. Aristotle first hypothesized that the mind of or psyche of a person existed because of external factors. Other theorist expounded on this premise until John Watson made it a focus of his studies of behavior. Behaviorism projects that individuals are products of their experiences and have become who they are because of conditioning. John Watson, who is credited with Behaviorism made the comment that he could take twelve healthy infants and take any one of them and mold them into any given occupation regardless of genetics, race, talents and/or abilities. Watson believed that all "healthy" individuals are the same at birth but are only differentiated by the specific stimuli in their own experiences throughout their lives."
Abstract The theories discussed in this paper represent most of the spectrum of materialist (i.e. non-mentalist) thought about human society. The paper contrasts the work of BF Skinner, Marvin Harris, and Edward Wilson in behaviorism, functionalism, and sociobiology, respectively.
Abstract This paper examines the case of Richard Speck, a convicted murderer of eight women in the United State. At Speck's trial his attorney claimed that a new theory of behavioral causality with an identifiable chromosomal abnormality represented by the XYY configuration corresponded to specific behavioral traits that predisposed individuals to violent and antisocial behavior. The author of the paper examines evidence for and against this theory in the light of Speck's childhood, research and an autopsy performed on Speck's body after he died in 1991.
Outline:
Background and History
XYY Supermale Analysis
Social Biology Analysis
References
From the Paper "Critics of the XYY theory of criminal conduct suggest that even if XYY corresponds to higher statistical likelihood of certain types of antisocial behavior, it is not substantially different from other components of naturally evolved human behaviors. In other primate species, including those most closely related to homo sapiens, male dominance is expressed through patterns of behavior that would be considered, in human terms, criminal. According to that view, even XYY-based behavioral patterns still lie within the spectrum of normal human tendencies and that it is not particularly surprising that prisons house individuals who share behavioral traits consistent with criminal behavior (The Hastings Center 1980)."
Abstract This essay is a basic introduction to the fundamental components of a sociological theory. Included is a comprehensive analysis of both conflict theory and symbolic interactionism. Gang behavior is used to illustrate key terms and concepts from each theory, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
From the Paper "Theories serve several functions in the development and evaluation of scientific knowledge. Theories provide us with systematic procedures to evaluate social phenomenon. These procedures are well organized and comprehensive. Theories are not just knowledge structures; they are sets of interrelated statements that apply to a wide range of phenomenon. Chafetz said, "in theory construction, the exercise is only more systematic, comprehensive, more guided and constrained by rules, and finally is more self-conscience" (Chafetz, p. 2). "
Abstract This paper presents a history of B.F. Skinner's theory of behaviorism. The paper then contrasts Skinner's theory with Freud's theory and combines it with the interpersonal model to explain adolescent development.
From the Paper "The following research paper presents B.F. Skinner and the history of his behavior theory. Skinner's theory is contrasted with Freud's theory and combined with the interpersonal model to explain the development of adolescents and personality Skinner's theory is then applied to the mental health nursing field. Findings are applied to a black male child."
