Theories of Juvenile Offending

Social-Cognitive Theory
Differential Social support and Coercion (DSSC) Theory –
General Strain and Self-Control Theory
Social Control Theory
Theories of Juvenile
Offending
Labelling Theory
Rational Choice Theory
Social Disorganisation Theory
[Representation of the Juvenile Justice System] (2018)

Social Cognitive Theory suggests that moral disengagement facilitates all forms of wrongdoing from minor to
major
[Image of the social-cognitive theory] (2019).

Rational Choice
Theory
What is it?
Explains criminal behaviour through:
• A decision-making
process/personal choice that
weighs the benefits/loss of the
crime
• Employs swift and severe
punishment to prevent crime
Empirical evidence demonstrates:
• The thrills/benefits of criminal
behaviour are perceptive to juvenile
offenders
• Juveniles rationalise specific crimes for
example drug use
• Immaturity contributes to the choice
process in juveniles
Limitations:
• Fails to explain social
factors of crime
• Not all crimes are
committed under rational
pretense i.e mental illness
• Harsh and severe
punishment do not always
deter criminal behaviour
[illustration of Cost-Benefit Analysis] (2014)
[Image of the features in the Rational Choice Theory] (2015)