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NEGATIVISTIC DELINQUENCY REVISITED - A BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS

NCJ Number
45285
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (1977) Pages: 301-309
Author(s)
J D MARTIN
Date Published
1977
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A GENERALIZED REVISION OF CRIMINOLOGIST ALBERT COHEN'S THEORY OF NEGATIVISTIC DELINQUENCY IS PRESENTED.
Abstract
COHEN'S THEORY IS AN ATTEMPT TO EXPLAIN THE PHENOMENON AMONG ADOLESCENT BOYS OF A REVERSAL OF NORMS. THE CHIEF INDEPENDENT VARIABLE IN THIS THEORY IS A CONFLICT BETWEEN VALUES AND OPPORTUNITIES, AND THE CHIEF MECHANISM IS ONE OF REACTION-FORMATION. IN THIS REVISION, THE ANTECEDENT CONDITIONS OF THAT THEORY HAVE BEEN BROADENED TO INCLUDE ALL CONTRADICTIONS BETWEEN IDEALS AND THE PRACTICES THAT MIGHT, BUT DO NOT, CARRY THEM OUT. ANGER PRODUCED BY DISTRIBUTIVE INJUSTICE HAS REPLACED REACTION-FORMATION AS A CASUAL MECHANISM. AS REVISED, THE THEORY APPEARS TO EXPLAIN A WIDER RANGE OF MALICIOUS ACTIVITIES, SOME OF WHICH WERE NEGATIVE CASES FOR THE ORIGINAL COHEN THEORY. REFERENCES ARE FURNISHED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--VDA)