NCJ Number
18313
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: (WINTER 1970) Pages: 7-10,47
Date Published
1970
Length
5 pages
Annotation
ALTHOUGH YOUNG PEOPLE COMMIT PROPORTIONATELY MORE CRIMES THAN OLDER PEOPLE, THIS DOES NOT AT ALL MEAN THAT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE MORE PROMISING CANDIDATES FOR REHABILITATION.
Abstract
AGE IS ONLY ONE OF THE STATUSES INVOLVED IN THE RELATIVE RISKS OF CRIME PERPETRATION AND THE PROBABLE SOCIETAL RESPONSE TO A GIVEN CLASS OF DEVIATION. CONCENTRATION ON YOUTH CRIME RISKS UNDER ESTIMATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL CLASS, SOCIOECONOMIC DEPRIVATIONS, AND DIFFERENTIAL FAMILY EXPERIENCE. THE AUTHOR ARGUES THAT CRIME AMONG YOUTHS MERITS SERIOUS CONCERN, BUT THAT EXCLUSIVE ATTENTION TO THE YOUNGER OFFENDERS ENTAILS A RISK THAT THE EQUALLY SERIOUS PROBLEMS RAISED BY OLDER WILL BE IGNORED. EMPHASIS UPON YOUTHFUL CRIME SUFFERS THE FUNDAMENTAL WEAKNESS OF ALL MONOCAUSAL EXPLANATIONS. THE OBVIOUS IMPORTANCE OF AGE STATUS AS A FACTOR IN CRIMINAL ETIOLOGY AND REHABILITATION DOES NOT JUSTIFY RELIANCE ON ONE FACTOR IN APPROACHING CORRECTIONAL REFORM. THE MYTHS ATTACHED TO YOUTH WILL BRING DISILLUSIONMENT, AND THE INITIAL ENTHUSIASM FOR PENAL REFORM WILL BE LOST BEFORE FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS ARE OVERCOME. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)