Family, Deliquency and Crime Profile Term Paper

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In terms of the theories that are put forward in the book by Simon et al. (2004), Gary's profile conforms to a number of theoretical perspectives. In general however this profile tends to concur with the point made by the authors that the criminal behavior is largely a result of lax or ineffective parenting. (Simon et al., 2004, p.15) as this book states, there are numerous studies that refer to the importance of family and home environment as well as problematic parenting in the development of developmental antisocial tendencies. This also refers to larger problems when these become permanent behavior patterns and extend into later life. (Simon et al., 2004, p.15)

Furthermore, parents are seen as "primary argents of socializations" of children and therefore they play a major role in the creation of negative and "abnormal "tendencies in developing children. (Simon et al., 2004, p.16)

Theorists like Gleuck and others argue that the family environment is the most important determining factor of delinquent behavior (Simon et al., 2004, p.18)

If we consider these theories then this would suggest that the central problem, as well as the possible solutions to Gary's antisocial and criminal behavior, lies with some form of family therapy.

One could also relate this profile to aspects of control theory. This theory posits the view that one must take account of the mechanisms that cause these transformations in the individual. (Simon et al., 2004, p.20) According to the form of social control theory that was put forward by Hirsch, one of the elements that cause abnormal and antisocial behavior is a lack of a sense of attachment to society. Attachment is the degree to which an individual feels cared for and close to important social figures, such as parent and teachers.

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This theoretical framework seems to fit the profile that has been discussed to some extent. It is evident that Gary has become detached from those around him, possibly because the bond between himself and his parents has been broken and distorted due to their stressful relationship.

However, possibly the most appropriate theory that can be used to describe the entire situation more holistically is social learning theory. This theory suggests that children are neither good nor bad but that they develop antisocial or prosocial tendencies in their interaction with their environment. Social learning theory focuses on "...the reciprocal or mutual influences that exist between parents and children" (Simon et al., 2004, p.33).

A theory that could be applied to the profile in question is Paterson's Coercion Model. This theory consists the way that stressed and irritable parent reaction tends to exacerbate and overemphasize aspects of the children's behavior - which often result in a correspondingly negative reaction from the children and which may subsequently overflow into relationships children may have outside the family. This is another possible way of interpreting and understanding Gary's behavior at school. (Simon et al., 2004, p.40)

In terms of solution, an intervention strategy is possibly the best method of dealing with this problem. This would involve intervention meetings that would include parents and child, school authorities and possibly healthcare and psychological professionals. The aim of this intervention would be to involve the family in an open and directed discussion about the underlying issues that are causing the problems. The hope is that through such intervention, the problems that Gary is experiencing and his related antisocial and criminal activated will be curtailed before they possibly develop into actions that can have life - long.....

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