Differentiate school factors, individual factors and community factors on juvenile delinquency
School factors refer to elements within the school environment that can influence juvenile delinquency. These may include:
- School discipline policies: Strict or ineffective disciplinary practices within a school can contribute to juvenile delinquency. For example, harsh punishments or zero-tolerance policies may lead to increased feelings of frustration or alienation among students, potentially leading to delinquent behavior.
- Lack of academic engagement: Schools that fail to provide engaging and stimulating educational opportunities may contribute to student boredom and disinterest, increasing the likelihood of them seeking excitement or stimulation through delinquent activities.
- Gang presence: Schools located in areas with high gang activity may contribute to delinquency through gang recruitment and exposure to criminal influences.
- School climate: A negative school climate, characterized by bullying, lack of support, or a culture of violence, can increase the chances of students engaging in delinquent behavior. Positive school climate, on the other hand, can act as a protective factor against delinquency.
Individual factors refer to characteristics or traits of an individual that can contribute to juvenile delinquency. These may include:
- Family background: Factors such as family dysfunction, abuse, neglect, or parental criminality can increase a child's risk of delinquency.
- Personal attitudes and beliefs: Negative attitudes towards authority, lack of empathy, impulsivity, or a belief in the "delinquent subculture" can contribute to juvenile delinquency.
- Behavioral problems: Individuals with behavioral disorders, such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, may be more prone to engaging in delinquent activities.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse or dependence can significantly increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior.
Community factors refer to features of the surrounding community that can contribute to juvenile delinquency. These may include:
- Poverty and economic disadvantage: Communities grappling with high poverty rates and limited access to resources may experience higher rates of delinquency due to potential lack of opportunities, limited social support, and exposure to criminal influences.
- Community disorganization: Neighborhoods with high rates of crime, violence, or limited social cohesion can contribute to delinquency through increased exposure to deviant behavior and limited community supervision.
- Availability of drugs and firearms: Communities with easy access to drugs and firearms may experience higher rates of juvenile delinquency as young individuals are exposed to and can engage in illegal activities.
- Community attitudes and norms: Communities where delinquent behavior is normalized or where violence is seen as an acceptable means of settling disputes can contribute to higher rates of juvenile delinquency.