Upper-Class Adolescent Delinquency: Theory and Observation

• Main Author: Marsing, Nick
• Format: Others
• Published: DigitalCommons@USU 2011
• Subjects: Adolescent; Delinquency; Upper Class; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Sociology
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/868; https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1864&context=etd

Delinquency in adolescence has captured the imagination of thinkers and researchers for generations. In this thesis, a unique segment of adolescent delinquency is examined: delinquency in upper-class adolescents. My experience working in residential treatment centers was a catalyst for this research and inspired the primary question which guides the work: "Why would upper-class adolescents commit delinquent acts?" In an attempt to answer this question, the "Big Three" (strain, control, and social learning) sociological theories of crime and delinquency are used to explore upper-class or "elite" delinquency. After examining each theory I demonstrate how none of them, individually, can adequately explain this phenomenon. Thus, I present an integrated approach to understanding upper-class or "elite" delinquency.