Lecture on Youth Crime and Strain Theory

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to youth crime and strain theory, as discussed in the lecture.

Sociodemographic Characteristics

Factors such as race, class, age, and gender that differentiate criminals from non-criminals.

Strain Theory

A theory suggesting that individuals engage in crime when they experience stress or strain due to blocked opportunities to achieve their goals.

Youth Crime

Illegal activities that are committed by individuals typically between the ages of 10 and 19.

High-rate offenders

A small group of individuals who engage in crime more frequently than their peers.

Criminogenic Environment

An environment that is conducive to criminal behavior, often associated with poverty and lack of opportunity.

Coping Strategies

Methods employed by individuals to manage stress or negative emotions caused by strain.

Developmentally Early Conduct Problems

Behavioral issues that occur in childhood, which can lead to more serious conduct issues in adolescence.

Gender Differences in Youth Crime

Variations in the rate and type of crime perpetrated by male and female youths.

Adolescent-limited Offenders

Youth offenders who commit crimes primarily during their adolescent years without continued offending into adulthood.

Chronic Offenders

Individuals who begin offending in childhood and continue their criminal behavior into adulthood.

Emotional Coping Strategies

Techniques used to manage emotional responses to strain, such as exercise or relaxation techniques.

Social Class and Youth Crime

The relationship between an individual’s socioeconomic status and their likelihood of engaging in youth crime.

Conditioning Variables

Factors that influence the likelihood of strain resulting in criminal behavior, such as prior reinforcement for delinquency.

Minor Offenses

Less serious crimes that are commonly committed by youths.

Serious Youth Crime

More severe criminal activities, often associated with higher rates among lower-class youth.

Negative Stimuli

Events or treatments that lead to negative feelings and may result in criminal behavior.