CRM/LAW C109 Study Guide - Final Guide: Juvenile Delinquency, Informal Social Control, Social Control Theory

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1. Describe the age-distribution of crime as it has been discussed in class and describe two
implications of the distribution for policy about crime.
Rapid increase in crime for preadolescent and peak at early adulthood, then declines
rapidly and continues to throughout life
Implications
Crime rates are not largely affected by what we do with adults
If we want probability of offenses to decline we only need to wait
2. Describe self-control theory, as presented in class readings and lectures, and discuss one
policy implication of the theory.
Developmental theory that modifies social control theory by integrating concepts from
biosocial, psychological, routine activities, and rational choice theories
The theory that holds that antisocial behavior is caused by a lack of self control stemming
from an impulsive personality
The propensity to commit antisocial acts is tied directly to a person level of self control
3. Describe how the term incapacitation has been used in class and how it relates to the
“big facts” also discussed in class.
Focus on doing something to with or for offenders to lower their crime rate
You have to have opportunity to commit crime thus we must restrict or alter these
opportunities
Relates to big facts of age effect
Have to incapacitate before the crime to have an effect
As they get older, delqineuc is reduced and incapacitation will not work anymore
4. Discuss three of the major family factors and how they relate to juvenile delinquency.
Family breakup
parents /guardians act as main source of informal social control, when social
control is disrupted then children are free to be involved in antisocial behaviors
Children raised in home with absent parents lead to antisocial behavior
delinquency
More often of divorce leads to delinquency
Family conflict
Not all marriages end with divorce some live in atmosphere of conflict
Children perception of his or her parents marital happiness is predictor of
delinquency
Family competence
Children raised by parent lacking proper parenting skills are more at risk
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Parents overly strict and controlling more likely to produce children with
behavioral problems
Parents who are inconsistent or hash with discipline
Inconsistent supervision
Must have structure at home but allowing them to have freedom → less
delinquency
Family deviance
Children socialized in homes where parents abuse substances or commit crime
more likely to be delinquent
Parental involvement in justice system
Deviant siblings
5. Describe the school factors that predict delinquency. Be sure to include both individual
and school-level factors in your answer.
Dropping out can lead to delinquency (truancy)
Individual level causes
Feeling isolated or alone with little parental attention
Level of substance abuse increases violent crime rate
School level causes
Large students with emotional and psychological problems have high rates
of crime and violence
School climate - quality and character of school life
Large schools, located in cities of crime
Psychical condition of school
Community level causes
Poverty in area
High population leads to problem zone schools
School experiencing crime and drug abuse are likely to be found in
socially disorganized neighborhoods
6. Describe how control theory uses the concept of “bonds” and describe the elements of
the bond.
Mechanism of control are bonds, which are used to link individual and society in order to
minimize individual side and maximize society
Elements of bond
Coercive - force or threat of force; fear of punishment
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Normative - control through shared values, good will of family and friends, moral
values
Exchange - education, family, economic stability, calculating dimensions
7. Describe the similarities and differences between school shooters and street shooters as
outlined in class and the readings.
Street shooters
Relatively rare
Concentrated in inner areas
Non white offenders overrepresented
Guns obtained from illegal markets
Preferred weapon is handgun
History of disciplinary problems common
Prior victimization common
Victims most of same race and sex
Family victims unusual
Substance use is common
From low income families
Avoids media attention
Below average academic achievement
Knows someone who was killed or been killed
Co-offending is typical
School shooters
Extremely rare
Concentrated in rural towns and suburbs
Mostly white offenders
Guns obtained from family members, legally
Use multiple guns
History of discipline uncommon
Mixed sexes, same race
Substance abuse uncommon
Seek media attention
Average or above average achievement
Do not know anyone killed before
Both
Prior victimization common (street) & link with shootings and history of being
bullied (school)
Shootings are planned and not impulsive
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Document Summary

Describe the age-distribution of crime as it has been discussed in class and describe two implications of the distribution for policy about crime. Rapid increase in crime for preadolescent and peak at early adulthood, then declines rapidly and continues to throughout life. Crime rates are not largely affected by what we do with adults. If we want probability of offenses to decline we only need to wait: describe self-control theory, as presented in class readings and lectures, and discuss one policy implication of the theory. Developmental theory that modifies social control theory by integrating concepts from biosocial, psychological, routine activities, and rational choice theories. The theory that holds that antisocial behavior is caused by a lack of self control stemming from an impulsive personality. The propensity to commit antisocial acts is tied directly to a person level of self control: describe how the term incapacitation has been used in class and how it relates to the.