“In chapter three of the text “The Juvenile Justice System Delinquency , Process

“In chapter three of the text “The Juvenile Justice System Delinquency , Processing and the Law” by Alida V. Merlo we have come across and examined several theories pertaining to criminality and delinquency. As stated in the text, “The sociological theories of juvenile delinquency pre- sented in this section include (1) the concentric zone hypothesis, (2) the subculture theory of delinquency, (3) the anomie theory of delinquency, (4) labeling theory, (5) bonding theory, and (6) Agnew’s general strain theory.” (Pg.72) These are the several theories regarding criminality and delinquency. In conclusion we will see which of these theories can be applied to stories being told by the incarcerated youth. In the documentary film “Raised in the System” we see a widespread of teens in correctional facilities. Facilities such as Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Facility and others we will come across. In the film, we see Michael Kenneth Williams who is a profound actor and has a little bit of history and can relate to incarcerated youth offenders. The two theories that I can apply to the particular stories told is the subculture theory of delinquency. I would apply this theory to the story of Kriston who is charged with improper fire handling at the age of 16, in the Green Haven Correctional Facility. During the interview with Mr.Williams, Kriston stated that “it became a trend to be a gang banger. It became a trend to have that money.” He often enjoyed doing criminal activities with his good friend. I feel like they did these things to often make a subculture of their own and fit in with their own sense of group. Hence, Subculture Theory of Delinquency. Another theory that I would apply is the Bonding Theory. In this theory, it theory stresses processual aspects of youth becoming bonded or socially inte- grated into the norms of society (Mack et al., 2007). The greater the integration or bonding, particularly with parents and school teachers, the less the likelihood that youth will engage in delinquent activities. I apply this theory to Deandre’s story. He is now a program member with a child. With proper guidance and relationship Deandre turned his life around and was able to get a job. ONS the group that helped Deandre has opened many doors for young men in the program for gainful in employment. Moreover there are the theories I applied to specific stories that were told in the film. ”
150 WORD RESPONSE , 150 WORD RESPONSE TO BOTH DISCUSSIONS”
“First thing’s first, RIP Michael K. Williams.
Two theories I’ve applied to the documentary, are Social Control Theory and Strain Theory. To me, Social Control Theory, is the basis of why these juvenile’s lives have been shaped the way it is. Social Control Theory, is when people are socially integrated into the norms of society. These kids have been incarcerated at young ages, because they come from an environment that lacked resources, that would be conducive for them later on in life. For example, there was a scene where all the men was gathered in a room, and asked questions by another inmate, and he asked them to raise their hands if they’ve been incarcerated since they were kids. Alot of them raised their hands, saying they were in prison since they were about 16, now being in their 40’s and up. There was another scene, being one of the first scenes, where this young lady was given 33 years, for grand theft auto charges– being incarcerated since she was about 13 or 14. She said that she grew up in a household of poverty, and the streets was all she knew, so that’s what she stuck to. Crime in the street regulated the way her behavior, and like many other juveniles because that’s all they knew. Another example, is an older guy saying society didn’t give him the example of lawyer nor doctor in his neighborhood to watch and aspire to be like. All he knew was how to sell drugs, fight, and using a gun because that’s all he saw growing up. I applied Strain Theory, because there was a young man who was placed on a community center program, being detained for carrying a weapon at age 16. He had to follow rules, one of those rules were coming home, and passing drug tests. He claimed he didn’t come home because his mom often tried to make him go to church, and he didn’t believe in God. She stormed out because she didn’t like hearing that. He also claimed that she get that way because she tries to make him into someone that he doesn’t want to be. Strain theory is fitting because his mom wanting him to go to church and being religious, was cultural approval which further pushed him to rebel, and not want to come home. But not following these rules, was a downfall to deterring him from crime and streets.”
150 WORD RESPONSE !