As with any social problem, the causal factors can be numerous, and there are always exceptions to every theory. Juvenile delinquency is such a diverse topic, that the explanation of this social problem is just as diverse. .
Social Control theorists start with the premise that human behavior is by nature antisocial and delinquent. "We are all animals, and thus all naturally capable of committing criminal acts,"" and "people commit crimes because it is in their nature to do so. The question that really needs an answer is why do most people not commit crimes- (Elrod, 1999). Social Control theorists would view delinquents as acting out of their most primal inclinations.
This perspective states that members in society form bonds with other members in society, or institutions in society such as parents, pro social friends, churches, schools, teachers, and sports teams, to name a few. "The ties and affection that develop between children and key people in their lives create higher levels of social capital and internalizes the norms of society, such as being a law-abiding citizen- (Leighninger, 1996). This perspective would address juvenile delinquency as the juvenile failing to form the same bonds, and creating the same levels of social capital, as a law-abiding citizen. Because of this deficiency in their socialization, the juvenile is far more prone to engage in criminal activity.
Social Learning Theory or the Differential Association Theory states that crime is a learned behavior. People learn criminal behavior through the groups with which they associate. It seems almost common sense that if a person associates with more groups that define criminal behavior as acceptable than groups that define criminal behavior unacceptable, the person will probably engage in criminal behavior. Put another way, "just as people must learn through socialization how to conform to their society's norms, they must also learn how to depart from those norms- (Leighninger, 1996) in other words, deviance, like conforming behavior, is a product of socialization.
