Adolescence and Delinquency
The Collective Management of Reputation
Blackwell Publishers
Published on 26. October 1995
Book
Hardback
288 pages
978-0-631-13802-0 (ISBN)
Description
This study offers an analysis of delinquency by asking about the social dynamics of behaviour and misbehaviour. Its central thesis is that conduct is motivated by reputation; the problem is to explain why many young people choose to pursue delinquent reputations. The book begins with a critical look at psychology's traditional reaction to deviance, which has been to attribute it to flaws or deficits in the individual's make-up. It then examines the major theoretical perspectives on delinquency in both psychology and sociology, relating them to their common historical roots as the "mass society" thesis of the 19th century. The fit between these theories and the facts is then explored in some detail. None account successfully for the major features of delinquency - particularly its generalized character, and its greater prevalence among males and in mid-adolescence. The remainder of the book works out an alternative account which develops the idea of "reputation management", and examines the kind of reputation and identity that is conveyed by delinquent action and the advantages this may have for the actor.
Particular attention is given to the group context and the influence this has on adolescent behavioural decisions, and to processess of group formation.
Particular attention is given to the group context and the influence this has on adolescent behavioural decisions, and to processess of group formation.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Publishing group
John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-631-13802-0 (9780631138020)
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Schweitzer Classification
Content
The historical contents of delinquency research; theories of deviance; colliding with the facts; social control, moral behaviour and reputation; young people and the institutional order; the collective nature of delinquent action; accounting for the facts.