NCJ Number
146759
Journal
Journal of Social Issues Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1969) Pages: 121-135
Date Published
1969
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Juvenile delinquency is examined as symptom of alienation in three senses: as evidence of a lack of social influences, as an attempt to influence the adolescent's environment and as an effort to prevent self estrangement.
Abstract
This article starts out with an in-depth discussion of the meaning of the term "alienation." The definition used includes three components: the lack of influence of the environment on a person, the person's lack of influence on their environment, and self-estrangement. The author then discusses juvenile delinquency as a symptom of alienation in each of these senses. The data for this study came from a random sample of teenagers in Flint, Michigan. With regard to the first part of the definition, the author asserts that it is clear that heavily delinquent teenagers demonstrate by their behavior the lack of effective influence by their parents and the society which their parents represent. They are not alienated from all influences, however. There is evidence that they depend on the social influence of peers who they perceive as encouraging the antisocial behavior. Regarding the second part of the definition, evidence is presented that delinquent behavior may be a way for adolescents to counter feelings of powerlessness that may occur as they make the transition from childhood to adulthood. Finally, delinquency is viewed as a way for adolescents to resist alienation as self-estrangement. Delinquent youths are typically poor performers in school. Engaging in delinquent acts may be their way of trying to gain a more positive sense of self.