Delinquency can be defined as a crime committed by a minor; in the recent few years, cases of juvenile delinquency have been on the rise, and this explains why the issue has given birth to controversy among psychologists, criminologists as well as sociologists. The issue has ignited a debatable topic with scholars and researchers trying to unravel the cause of delinquency in the young generation. Many theories have been formulated by researchers in the quest to develop a better understanding of juvenile delinquency, its causes as well as the probable solutions. Among these models are criminological theories, which are formulated to address the development and enforcement of criminal law. One of the most common theoretical approaches is the deterrence theory, which suggests which people are motivated or discouraged from engaging in an action based on the consequences that the action attracts. This theory is the basis of a debate on whether or not severe punishments for minors is an effective strategy for reducing crime in juveniles. Although a minor may not be punished under adult criminal law, strict penalties would discourage young people from engaging in crime.
According to behaviorists, one of the most effective strategies for deterring unwanted behavior is establishing its motives and the ways to withdraw the motivation that triggers the unwanted conduct (Leiber et al., 2017). One of the behaviorists who shaped the understanding of behavior is B.F. Skinner. The behaviorist is credited with the idea that consequences determine actions. Skinner explores the use of reinforcements or punishments to encourage desirable behavior and deter unwanted conduct, respectively (Leiber et al., 2017). The deterrence model seems to have been developed from the idea of the use of reinforcements and punishments; this is because proponents of the approach that offenders are either motivated or discouraged from committing a criminal act by the gains and consequences associated with crime. Therefore, if the consequences of an act are severe, there is a likelihood that individuals will be discouraged from crime.
Proponents of the deterrence model suggest that juveniles will take part in delinquent and criminal behavior after comparing the consequences and benefits of their actions. The model is based on the assumption that minors are mature and capable of making correct decisions to attain a specific outcome. Leiber et al. (2017) argue that to understand delinquent behavior, stakeholders in the juvenile justice system should evaluate and examine the motivations behind the crime. Therefore, the consequences, as well as the benefits that influence an underage to engage in criminal activities, should be studied. The authors also argue that for a long time, juveniles are treated as adults; they were subjected to the same level of punishment as delinquent and criminal. I believe the article makes a strong point on how to deter juvenile crime. I think the strategy of punishment is effective in deterring criminal behavior.
According to Brown et al. (2018), delinquents were given the same treatment as adults; harsh punishments were being employed as a means of regulating juvenile behavior. The authors argue that the socio-economic changes that took place during the nineteenth century necessitated the public interest in childcare, which later on came to be the turning point towards juvenile justice. It is this revolution that gave rise to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children established in 1874 in New York with the sole purpose of protecting children from abusive parents as well as ensuring juvenile justice is attained. It was one of the organizations which championed rehabilitation programs for children displaying unwanted behavior.
In finding a solution even by applying scientific principles, it is prudent to establish the facts linking the strategy to the deterrence of crime. Therefore, the exploration of the motivators behind delinquent behavior is justified. There is the other side of their argument, which portrays the proposal to issue harsh punishments for juveniles as arguably lame. According to Baldry (2013), this idea emanates from how delinquents under observation could fake their personality or behavior, especially when they are aware that they are under close watch. However, when adults are not around them, they could be engaging in delinquent behavior. This jeopardizes the strategy as a measure to ensure juvenile crime is tamed. However, the author succeeds in convincing the reader of the significant role that examination of consequences and benefits of delinquent behavior plays a crucial role in understanding juvenile crime.
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