Theories of Delinquency: An Examination of Explanations of Delinquent Behavior

by Donald J. Shoemaker

Overview

Theories of Delinquency is a comprehensive survey of the theoretical approaches towards understanding delinquent behavior. Donald Shoemaker aptly presents all major individualistic and sociological theories in a standard format with basic assumptions, important concepts, and critical evaluations. Theories covered include biological and psychological explanations, anomie and social disorganization, differential association, drift theory, labeling theory, critical theories, and explanations of female delinquency. Now in its sixth edition, Theories of Delinquency contains up-to-date discussions based on current research throughout, extensive revisions to control theories, especially the general theory of crime, and expanded coverage of integrated and cutting-edge theories. Clearly written, consistently organized, and now thoroughly updated, Theories of Delinquency remains essential reading for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of crime and delinquency.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199888351
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/28/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Donald J. Shoemaker is Professor of Sociology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Table of Contents

Preface 1. Explanations of Delinquency The Problem of Delinquency The Issue of Causality What Is a Theory? Verification of Theories The Plan of This Book 2. The Classical School: Issues of Choice and Reasoning Historical Overview Rational Choice Theory Summary 3. Biological and Biosocial Explanations Historical Overview Generic Assumptions Somatotypes and Delinquency Inheritance and Delinquency Emerging Trends in Biological Explanations of Delinquency Summary 4. Psychological Theories Historical Overview Generic Assumptions Intelligence and Delinquency The Psychiatric-Psychoanalytic Approach General Personality Characteristics Summary 5. Social Disorganization and Anomie Historical Overview Generic Assumptions Social Disorganization Anomie and Delinquency: Discontinuities in Society Summary 6. Lower-Class-Based Theories of Delinquency Historical Overview and Generic Assumptions Cohen and the Middle-Class Measuring Rod Cloward and Ohlin's Theory of Differential Opportunity Structure Miller's Theory of Lower-Class Culture and Delinquency Summary 7. Interpersonal and Situational Explanations Historical Overview Generic Assumptions Differential Association Drift and Delinquency Summary 8. Control Theories Historical Overview Generic Assumptions Personal Controls Social Controls-The Social Bond A General Theory of Crime Summary 9. Labeling Theory Historical Overview Generic Assumptions Summary 10. The Radical Theory of Delinquency Historical Overview Beyond "Radical" Theory Summary 11. Female Delinquency Historical Overview Basic Biological and Psychological Approaches Gender Roles and Delinquency Women's Emancipation Evaluation Power-Control Theory Feminist Explanations of Female Delinquency Summary 12. Delinquency Theory: An Integrative Approach Integrated Theories: Some Considerations and a Proposed Model Author Index Subject Index

Editorial Reviews

"Excellent overview of causes of delinquency—with an in-depth analysis of the most important explanations. Very readable. Students appreciate the clear, concise presentation."—Richard Lawrence, St. Cloud State University

"I like the book a great deal—it is easy to read, theoretically explicit, and relates the theories directly to issues of juvenile delinquency, which is very helpful. The empirical data brought to bear on the theories is contemporary and well presented, but the major strength of the book is its extensive critique of each theoretical perspective on both empirical and theoretical grounds."—Michelle Hughes Miller, Southern Illinois University

From the Publisher