Acquisition and maintenance of delinquent behavior

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Acquisition and maintenance of delinquent behavior

Delinquent behavior can be described as undesirable and unbecoming conduct in someone who is of a minor age. It may vary from being poor in fulfilling of obligations that are compulsory to display of socially unacceptable behavior by the offender. Social learning theory tries to highlight the behavioral factors that led to the acquisition of socially unacceptable behavior and how such trends are developed by offenders. It tries to explain reasons behind some actions considered evil.

Delinquent behavior is acquired by one through various avenues. The people that one associates with are of great influence to this vice. The people that one associates with may be the ones who display negative behavior, which an offender picks in the process and starts to emulate. Thus, the cause of misbehavior by a person could have once been seen from another offender they related with earlier on. Negative influence may come from different parties. However, it is vital to note that the influencing factor must be within the environment of the offender (Akers & Sellers, 2008).

Offensive behavior can be picked up subconsciously. One may have witnessed an offensive deed being conducted and repeated it unknowingly. The deviation in social behavior may also come about due to psychological stress on the offender. Having numerous problems may lead to one being offensive in how they handle issues, in total disregard of others welfare. A person may be driven into such behavior with the knowledge of the consequences of the act. When one knows that, they can handle the consequence of their action, they may opt to be on the wrong willingly (Akers & Sellers, 2008).

Delinquent behavior by people can be self-regulated through their own efforts. This is when the offenders practice moral responsibility and accept their mistakes. After the acceptance, the offenders may opt to make an effort in correcting the misdeed. However, the offender needs to have some innate sense of responsibility (Akers & Sellers, 2008). Those who associate directly with offenders may be the right people to help them identify their misdeeds and suggest how to correct them. Those close to delinquent offenders are charged with the responsibility of being excellent examples. This in turn paints a clear picture on the offenders mind on the rights and wrongs in the society.

In order to control delinquent behavior, a number of regulators are encouraged. Defining punishments for such offences may be put in place to scare potential future offenders. They include basic actions and penalties on every offence. Parents as head of families, have a responsibility of training their offspring on good manners right from birth. Since the society may also influence offenders, projects such as peer education may go a long way in shaping thoughts by young people. As a result, good thoughts will the possessed by potential offenders thus lowering the urge for crime (Akers & Sellers, 2008).

As seen, delinquent behavior is offensive despite its nature. Thus, it is necessary that youthful people be engaged in activities that deter them from committing crime. Family morals should be upheld for a better generation that is disciplined. Youths should be educated on the deadly consequences of crime while in school. This ensures that every child grows into a law-abiding citizen thus minimizing on the crime rates in any particular jurisdiction. Delinquent behavior cannot be totally eradicated in the in society but can easily be controlled. All that needs to be done is to lay emphasis on the importance of proper moral behavior and the consequences of misbehavior.

References

Akers, R. & Sellers, C. (2008). Social learning theory. Criminological theories: Introduction, evaluation, and application (pp.85-122).New York: OxfordUniversity Press.