Individual_Theories

Individual Theories Your Name CJS 240 Axia College of University of Phoenix History has proved over time that there are two types of young adults in the world, those who make the decision to be successful and those with the I don’t care attitude and intrigue with the life of criminal behavior. The reasons why these young adults make the choices that they do vary greatly in difference.. Three of the reasons mentioned by young adults as to why they choose the bad road involves having a horrible younger life, peer pressure and even the excuse of boredom. Being that we have young adults who choose to entertain criminal behavior we must also have in turn a system that can be measured in the deterrence of criminal behavior among youth. Our current system does not seem to be as effective in improving this rising problem. To effectively be able to deter some of this criminal activity in youth, we need to gather information on why a youth chooses to involve themselves in this type of behavior, and there are many theories to this question. One of those theories is labeled as the Genetic Theory. The genetic theory states that criminal behavior is inherited just as hair color or eye color is. It is theorized that embedded in these offenders is a genetic code that causes them to make certain decisions and be involved in criminal behavior. This theory also states that anyone can look at a child’s parents and determine whether or not the child is going to be an offender. I find this theory not to be accurate. For one, there are children born to law abiding parents who commit criminal behavior just as there are children who are born to parents who have been involved in criminal behavior that are law abiding citizens. I feel that genetics lies in the borders of physical and emotional disorders or characteristics more than inherited criminal behavior traits. On the other hand a child can be raised by parents who practice criminal behaviors and learn he learned behaviors do not stop at just parents because they can be learned from anyone. Routine Activities Theory is one state youth become offenders because the opportunity is present. In essence this theory is responsible for the belief that if a youth commits a crime it is because the opportunity was present not because of genetics. An example of routine activity theory is that if a youth sees a wallet with cash in it then he will steal it. This theory makes it seem that the youth has uncontrollable urges that cause them to commit criminal acts.If this theory were correct then youth would not be able to know the difference between right and wrong without proper supervision would become a criminal. According to Wadworth (2005) “Kids will commit crimes when they believe their actions will go undetected by guardians such as police, security guards, neighbors, teachers, or homeowners. They choose what they consider safe places to commit crimes and to buy and sell drugs”. I find that youth who are taught early of value and respect for themselves and other will develop good morals. Being taught right and wrong and the consequences of wrong behavior can deter some youth from a life of crime. Over the years crime has become a rising problem. There are many individuals who actively participate in a corrupt lifestyle and have children. Some of our youth are raised in homes of this nature, but it cannot be assumed that just because a child has a aren’t who engages in criminal behavior that they will too. Here are many different aspects and characteristics that make up a youth as a person and in turn determine whether or not a youth will choose a life of success or a life of crime. An individual begins being molded into the person that they are during their child hood years. If a person is taught that criminal behavior is acceptable to the ones that they look up to then it is possible that the youth will indulge in that behavior. Simply put, once individuals recognize that their actions show an example for the younger generation and in turn start choosing positive activities and being better role models, then more of our nation’s young adults will become more responsible. References Axia College of University of Phoenix. (2007). Juvenile Delinquency. Retrieved June 12, 2009 from Axia College, Week One reading, aXcess, CJS240— Introduction to Juvenile Justice Course Web site. EurasiaNet (19 June 2007). Georgia grapples with rising teenage crime. UNHCR Refworld. Retrieved on June 12, 2009 from http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/46a485011c.html