Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston University / In order to determine differential bases of prestige, this study compared two age segments of a highly delinquent street-corner group with the two corresponding age segments of a moderately delinquent street-corner group. The corresponding age segments were matched for age, ethnicity, and religion. There were 116 boys in all. The data were obtained from the process records of "detached social workers" who observed the groups for periods averaging 18 months. These field data were subjected to a standardized content analysis system formulated within the cultural anthropological framework. A 19 percent random sample of prestige-oriented acts from this universe constituted the study population. IBM procedure was utilized to obtain tabulations of interaction with reference to cultural practices (drinking, fighting), sports, and club activities, and worker functions. Cultural practices and sportsclub activities were classified into those reflecting lower class, middle class, and adolescent behavior. This was supplemented by scanning the qualitative data. The findings showed that high delinquency was associated with lower social class, lack of father figures, high commitment to lower class behavior, and low in-volvement in age-linked adolescent activities. There was a noticeable lack of concern with middle class behavior. Conversely, moderate delinquenqy was related to somewhat higher social class, presence of father figures, less involvement in lower class behavior, and high commitment to adolescent supported behavior. This group also showed a negligible involvement in middle class behavior. It was apparent from the data that differential group functions reflected differential social organization and acculturation. The functions performed by the groups were related to aspects of lower class subculture. The greater involvement in lower class culture by the more delinquent groups, indicated that the etiology of delinquency can be better understood by further investigating that subculture. [TRUNCATED]

Although there are immense philosophical and technical difficulties in assessing the dimensions and severity of a social problem, there can be little doubt that juvenile delinquency is a proper subject of deep public concern. At the present time, however, few of the methods commonly employed in dealing with it appear to have more than a marginal effect on its ever-increasing prevalence. Part of this problem seems to be attributable to the heterogeneous and often contradictory character of the available etiologies of juvenile delinquency. But part also would appear to derive from the stereotyped reliance on a "case" approach to the phenomenon; an approach which, though legitimate and. even indispensable when some form of psychiatric abnormality is involved in the genesis of delinquent behavior, is manifestly inept when the problem has reached epidemic proportions. The aim of this study, therefore, is to examine a number of recent attempts - of both scientific and a practical nature-to formulate alternative arid demonstrably more effective techniques of solving or mitigating the problem of juvenile delinquency. In fact, many of the programs reviewed do give promise of an altogether higher level of usefulness than can be assigned to the methods which are currently favoured. The position is taken that juvenile delinquency can only be dealt with competently if the decisions underlying the employment of particular programs are based upon essentially strategic considerations of (a) the type of delinquency at Issue, (b) the nature of the causal factors predominating in its occurrence, and (c) the consequent differences in the aptness of the several alternative responses to the problem. The composition and condition of local correctional services are reviewed and evaluated in the light of this critical principle and are found to be alarmingly inadequate to its demands. It is argued that a region, such as British Columbia, which is in the convulsions of rapid social change, is under a particular necessity to anticipate and plan for its social problems with strategic breadth and intelligence. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

[No abstract submitted] / Arts, Faculty of / Philosophy, Department of / Graduate

Two reasons for studying delinquency were offered, and four early theories of delinquency mentioned briefly; the doctrine of plurality of causes was also discussed. It was suggested that an adequate theory is essential if we are to understand how delinquent behaviour comes about. The following six theories were examined, in the order named, along with relevant evidence, primarily from the familial area of research: a psychoanalytic theory of delinquency, Abrahamsen's theory of delinquency and criminality, the Healy-Bronner theory of delinquency, the "frustration-aggression hypothesis" as it relates to delinquency, the Dollard-Miller learning theory as applied to delinquency, and the identification theory of delinquency. Each of these theories was discussed, for purposes of analysis, under five main headings, wherever applicable, and criteria for evaluating the relative adequacy of the various theories were developed. A tentative definition of delinquency was offered, and the first four theories were discussed in terms of this definition; it was assumed to be true, or postulated, that delinquent behaviour is learned behaviour. Chapter VIII represents a digression in that it was deemed necessary to redefine delinquency before proceeding to discuss the latter two theories, the Dollard-Miller learning theory as applied to delinquency and the identification theory of delinquency. It was concluded that psychoanalysis is a good starting point for personality theorizing, but that it does not really explain how delinquency comes about, and does not enable us to predict delinquency; that the main variables introduced by Abrahamsen and by Healy and Bronner, "family tension" and "intense emotional discomfort," are too vaguely stated; that these theories do not incorporate specific, testable hypotheses; and that prediction is impeded; and that the "frustration-aggression hypothesis" as related to delinquency incorporates a logical fallacy. The Dollard-Miller learning theory as applied to delinquency, it was stated, may lead to more accurate predictions. The identification theory of delinquency, also, it was suggested, might, in its present state, enable us to make gross predictions. A cross-comparison of the six theories was then made in order to assess their relative adequacy and to indicate the propositions upon which they agree or disagree one with another. A critique of research dealing with delinquency was offered. In conclusion, a few general suggestions were set forth as to the nature of future research which would prove most fruitful. Implications for future theorizing were derived from the study, and it was suggested that an adequate theory, of delinquency, at this stage, deals in terms of intervening variables as well as independent or stimulus variables and dependent or response variables; that the theory must explain the individual as well as the "group" or class of delinquents; that it must state in an exact manner the antecedent conditions leading to delinquency; that it must be predictive in nature; and that it must be parsimonious. Finally, a brief discussion of the role of theory in science was presented, with particular reference to the kind of theorizing and research which has been evident in attempts to deal with the scientific problem as to how delinquency comes about. / Arts, Faculty of / Psychology, Department of / Graduate

A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Criminal Justice, University of Zululand, 2008. / The self-report survey study conducted in Mthatha District of Education (Eastern Cape) revealed interesting results pertaining to juvenile delinquency. The study concerns itself with a sample of 451 respondents randomly selected from seven secondary schools. The main aim of this exploratory study was to uncover the root causes of juvenile delinquency in the most rural and semi-urban areas of the Eastern Cape. The survey was carried out through a pre-coded questionnaire, administered to Grade 10, 11, and 12 pupils with the assistance of the educators at the identified schools during spare periods in class. It transpires that female (263 or 58.3%) respondents are the most dominant gender group in the sample. Results indicate that they are more or less outnumbering their male counterparts with regard to many cross-correlated delinquent acts, for example dagga smoking, dealing in dagga with the aim of earning extra income, scratching of teachers’ motor car, etc. Considering the age category, a large number of respondents is within the age of 17 years. The statistical results reveal that 114 of the respondents between 16-17 years have written mean things on school desks in the past twelve months. It also transpires that 132 (29.3%) respondents in the same age group have objected once to three times against the disciplinary measures employed by their mothers or significant other people. Furthermore, it is noticeable that the majority of the respondents come from intact families. The study reveals that over half of the respondents indicated that both their parents are economically inactive. It also transpires that the majority of families have three to four and five to six children to care for. Based on the statistic outcome it has been postulated that mothers play a more significant role in the socialisation process. Considering the area of residence it appears that Mqanduli respondents slightly outnumbered Mthatha respondents in most delinquent acts cross-correlated in the study. The statistical results also reveal that 134 Mqanduli respondents compared to 93 Mthatha respondents bought liquor in the past twelve months without the knowledge of their parents.

Submitted in fidfilo]ebI ofthe requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Zululand, 1994. / The study aims at studying and analyzing juvenile delinquency among secondary school children in Kwa-Zulu and the influence of the family thereupon. Through the use of a self-report survey the study seeks to establish the following - * sex and age differences with regard to juvenile delinquency; * family influence on juvenile delinquency by analyzing differences in family structure, family size and family economics; * the relationship between age, family controls and self-reported delinquency; and * nature and extent of juvenile delinquency through self-report data thereby bridging the gap between what is officially known and otherwise hidden forms of delinquency. Research techniques employed in the study include the following:-* * Literature study through which approaches to juvenile delinquency by other researchers were reviewed. * A self administered questionnaire consisting of personal particulars, family data and a delinquency check-list. * Sampling techniques through which three secondary schools and 560 respondents were selected. * Statistical techniques to test reliabi1ity of the measurement instrument and thirteen formulated hypothesis. The findings of the study indicate the following:- (a) Significant differences between male and female respondents with reference to self-reported delinquency. (b) Insignificant differences among age-group categories and delinquency; but positive relationship between age and juvenile delinquency. (c) Insignificant differences between family structure, family size, parental economic activities and juvenile delinquency. (d) Significant differences in the application of family controls in respect of male and female respondents and those from intact and broken families. This is, however, not the case with age-groups, family sizes and mother's economic activity. (e) The hypothesis relating to the relationship between family control and delinquency, in respect of family religiousness and parental discipline is supported. However a partial support with regard to parental supervision and affection is observed. The following recommendations are put forward:- (a) The family as a primary socialization unit be empowered by removing all factors that may contribute to family tensions, for example, unemployment and other related social pathologies. (b) The school is a secondary socialization agent, be revitalized. This can be achieved by means of upgrading the curricula and encouragement of close cooperation between the parents and the teachers. (c) The church and recreational facilities be used to improve the welfare of Black families by linking leisure activities to the youths' interests. The study succeeds in revealing the existence of "hidden" delinquency among Black secondary school children and important relationships between family and juvenile delinquency. / University of Zululand

No description available.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Boston University.

A considerable mass of knowledge about the ethology, prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency has given rise to a variety of treatment programmes over the two decades since 1960. These treatment approaches range from the community-oriented, non-restrictive methods to the strict incarceration of juvenile offenders. Rather than having solved the problems relating to the treatment of delinquents, the knowledge and efforts have created more questions than answers as to what the best approaches should be. In spite of all the efforts by correctional institutions to "reform" the young people placed in their care, Wilson (1975) states that these institutions are not effective in reducing. Whatever else they may accomplish The treatment success rate, usually based only on recidivism statistics, shows a steady decline to below thirty per cent in some American programmes (Lipton 1975). Dinitz et al (1980) found the effectiveness of correctional programmes to be "ineffective at best and devastatingly negative at v:orst" ( p149).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Carleton University, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 218-235). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.