Individual-level Theories of Delinquency

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Chapter 3: Individual View of Delinquency
Delinquency experts believe that people who commit illegal acts make decisions influenced and shaped by their personality traits. Therefore, the locus of delinquency has been strongly linked to the individual's choices, biological traits, psychological features, and personality. Individual explanations of delinquency are divided into two major categories, namely choice theory and trait theory. The essay will look into the theories of delinquency and the different individual views of delinquency.
Choice theorists hold the belief that delinquency is a result of individual decision-making. Other theorists and experts believe that acts of delinquency result from individual traits such as temperament, hormonal influence, and personality. According to choice theorists, delinquents get into antisocial behavior due to their perception that their actions will benefit them (Siegel and Welsh 70). According to trait theory, acts of delinquency among the youths are caused by biological and psychological imbalances such as hyperactivity, decreased intelligence, genetic and biochemical defects, and imbalances (70).
The choice theory assumes that people are free to choose whatsoever behavior. Greed, revenge, and survival are the main drivers of law violators. According to the classical view of crime and delinquency, all delinquents make rational decisions to violate the law (70). Choice theorists argue that delinquent and law-violating acts are done by offenders who take their time to reason and consider their situation and values.
According to the routine activities theory of delinquency, delinquent acts are steered by the absence of responsible guardians, availability of targets, and the presence of offenders who are motivated towards crime (73-74). Thus, there is an interactive effect between offenders motivated towards crime, suitable targets, and lack of responsible parenthood.
According to the general deterrence theory, the decision and choice to engage in acts of delinquency are usually triggered and structured by a punishment threat. The deterrence effect of punishment becomes more remarkable when severe, certain, and swift (74). The deterrence strategies may not be efficient for youths who are underage and immature. However, the strategies may significantly affect young offenders who are described as the highest-risk group (75).
Specific deterrence holds the concept that if law violators and offenders are severely punished, they will be convinced by the rough experience of repeating the crime. Offenders who have already been punished and convicted are the major f...