Theories of Delinquency: An Examination of Explanations of Delinquent Behavior [Paperback]

Theories of Delinquencyis 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 seventh edition,Theories of Delinquencycontains up-to-date discussions based on current research, incorporates new developments in social disorganization theory and related concepts of collective efficacy and criminology of place, and presents a fresh look at bio-social and psychological connections to crime and delinquency and the general theory of crime. Clearly written, consistently organized, and thoroughly updated,Theories of Delinquencyremains essential reading for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of crime and delinquency.

1. Explanations of Delinquency
The Problem of Delinquency
The Issue of Causality
What Is a Theory?
Verification of Theories
The Plan of This Book
2. The Classical School: Issues of Choice and Reasoning
Historical Overview
Rational Choice Theory
Summary
3. Biological and Biosocial Explanations
Historical Overview
Generic Assumptions
Somatotypes and Delinquency
Inheritance and Delinquency
Emerging Trends in Biological Explanations of Delinquency
Summary
4. Psychological Theories
Historical Overview
Generic Assumptions
Intelligence and Delinquency
The Psychiatric-Psychoanalytic Approach
General Personality Characteristics
Summary
5. Social Disorganization and Anomie
Historical Overview
Generic Assumptions
Social Dl£.