Learning Objectives

On completion of this chapter, students should be able to do the following:

1. Recognize differences between delinquency profiles based on behavioral profiles and official statistics

2. Discuss the impact of social factors (e.g., family, schools, social class) on delinquency

3. Discuss the effects of physical factors (e.g., gender, age, race) on delinquency

4. Recognize and discuss the intersectional nature of multiple factors and identities related to delinquency

5. Discuss legal and behavioral definitions of delinquency

6. Understand and discuss the importance of accurately defining and measuring delinquency

7. Discuss official and unofficial sources of data on delinquency, abuse, and neglect, as well as the problems associated with each