Why do Juveniles Commit Crimes in U.S.

Abstract

Delinquency has become a common phenomenon in the United States. Youths are

increasingly participating in criminal behaviours. Studies have shown that juveniles come from

different socio-economic backgrounds. This implies that the juvenile’s participating in

delinquency is influenced by many things. The education and parenting seem to be strong

predictors of an individual’s delinquent behaviours. This is because individuals with low

education level have low aspirations. This makes them susceptible to delinquent behaviours.

Parenting influences juvenile to commit crimes because parents are the primary mentors of

children. They play a significant role in the general orientations of those children. Parenting

influences the children’s susceptibility to join deviant peer relations. Nonetheless, there are some

internal factors that influence an individual’s participation in delinquency. This includes the

personality of a child. Some children may have an impulsive need for gratification. Such children

are likely to engage in crime to get gratification.

Literature Review

Peer Relations

It is common for the youths to relate with their peers. They do so as a way of developing

emotional security. Peer interactions are healthy for youths. They have a positive impact on their

interpersonal relation skills (Yeakey, 2002). However, peer interactions substantially influence

the moral values of individuals. In this regard, poor deviant relations will have a negative impact

on youths. The exposure to peers who engage in deviant behaviours increases the chances of

delinquency among youths. This is because the interaction will have a negative impact on the

moral values of those youths. In respect to this, the youth’s moral values will be distorted