FUNCTION OF SOCIAL DEFINITIONS AND SELF-DEFINITIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DELINQUENT CAREERS (FROM CRIME AND DELINQUENCY, A READER, 1970 BY CARL A BERSANI - SEE NCJ-006248)

• NCJ Number: 10213
• Author(s): C WERTHAM
• Date Published: 1967
• Length: 11 pages
• Corporate Author: Macmillan
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: REPRINTED FROM TASK FORCE - JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND YOUTH CRIME, PRES COMM ON LAW ENF, GPO, 1967

Annotation

A JUVENILE GANG MEMBER'S FINAL CHOICE OF ADULT IDENTITY DEPENDS GREATLY ON THE ASSESSMENT OF HIS MORAL CHARACTER AND ACTION BY AUTHORITIES, AND HIS RESPONSES.

Abstract

IN THE IDENTITY SYSTEM OF THE GANG WORLD, REPUTATION INCREASES WITH THE FATEFULNESS OF THE SITUATION IN WHICH A BOY IS WILLING TO TAKE A RISK. PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND OFFICIALS OF THE LAW IMPOSE SETS OF RESTRICTIONS WHICH, IF VIOLATED BY THE JUVENILE, BECOME RISK SITUATIONS THAT CAN ADVANCE HIS DELINQUENT BEHAVIOR AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO A CRIMINAL CAREER. THIS PAPER DISCUSSES THESE RESTRICTIONS AND THE IDENTITY-DEFINING RESPONSES THE JUVENILE MAY EXHIBIT TOWARD THEM. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)