It is the product of dynamic social process, involving numerous variables and the failure of personal and social controls. It is a symptom of deep socioeconomic and social ailments" (45) . This definition of delinquency sees crime as a basic lack of positive social ties or bonds. .
It is important to note the distinction between crime and delinquency. Where as a crime is an act that breaks criminal code which is created by society though written law, delinquency and deviance can be acts that merely break 'cultural law' or norms. Delinquency is usually specific and descriptive of age. Tomovic cites Redl and Winelian, "The legal concept of delinquency simply states which type of behavior is forbidden by law, in which state, for which age group of children and so forth. The cultural meaning of the word might summarize all statements indicating that a piece of behavior is in contradiction with the value demands of the dominant culture within which a given child moves" (45) . .
The theories that attempt to explain or predict delinquency mention and examine many different societal factors or units within society that are applicable within the theories. Families, peers, schools, and socioeconomic status are all social factors that are examined in many of the causal theories. .
Demographics and the relationships one has in society are also examined in some of the explanatory theories. .
Families are important to consider when trying to explain juvenile delinquency. The family unit is crucial to a child's development and healthy upbringing. In addition, much of what a child learns is through their family or guardians. A criminal parent can 1. teach their child adverse lessons about life when their child views or witnesses their parent's delinquent behavior. .
Peers can also teach an adolescent or child criminal behavior just as the family member can. Family members and peers can also cause delinquent patterns of behavior by labeling their child as delinquent.
