Theories of Delinquency: An Examination of Explanations of Delinquent Behavior, Sixth Edition

Theories of Delinquency is a comprehensive survey of the theoretical approaches towards understanding delinquent behavior. Donald Shoemaker aptly presents all major individualistic and sociological theories in a standard format with basic assumptions, important concepts, and critical evaluations. Theories covered include biological and psychological explanations, anomie and social disorganization, differential association, drift theory, labeling theory, critical theories, and explanations of female delinquency. Now in its sixth edition, Theories of Delinquency contains up-to-date discussions based on current research throughout, extensive revisions to control theories, especially the general theory of crime, and expanded coverage of integrated and cutting-edge theories. Clearly written, consistently organized, and now thoroughly updated, Theories of Delinquency remains essential reading for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of crime and delinquency. Theories of Delinquency provides a comprehensive survey of major theoretical approaches to the understanding of delinquent behavior. It includes discussions and evaluations of all major individualistic and sociological theories, presenting each theory in a standard format with basic assumptions, important concepts, and evaluations of the research connected theories. The third edition contains updated discussions of these theories. In addition, there is a new chapter on classical theory, an expanded discussion of female delinquency that includes feminist perspectives, and an expanded examination of theoretical integration. Clearly written and consistently organized, Theories of Delinquency is important reading for students of crime and delinquency. Explanations of delinquency The classical school : issues of choice and reasoning Biological and biosocial explanations Psychological theories Social disorganization and anomie Lower-class-based theories of delinquency Interpersonal and situational explanations Control theories Labeling theory The radical theory of delinquency Female delinquency Delinquency theory : an integrative approach. Surveys the major theoretical approaches to understanding delinquent behavior, both biological and psychological. It features careful explanations of the major theories and analyzes each theory's underlying assumptions, the important concepts behind it, and finally the critical evaluations of the research associated with each theory presented Practically no day passes without the appearance of some news item carrying a story of a crime committed by youth.