CiNii Books - Adolescence and delinquency : the collective management of reputation

This study offers an analysis of delinquency by asking about the social dynamics of behaviour and misbehaviour. Its central thesis is that conduct is motivated by reputation; the problem is to explain why many young people choose to pursue delinquent reputations. The book begins with a critical look at psychology's traditional reaction to deviance, which has been to attribute it to flaws or deficits in the individual's make-up. It then examines the major theoretical perspectives on delinquency in both psychology and sociology, relating them to their common historical roots as the "mass society" thesis of the 19th century. The fit between these theories and the facts is then explored in some detail. None account successfully for the major features of delinquency - particularly its generalized character, and its greater prevalence among males and in mid-adolescence. The remainder of the book works out an alternative account which develops the idea of "reputation management", and examines the kind of reputation and identity that is conveyed by delinquent action and the advantages this may have for the actor. Particular attention is given to the group context and the influence this has on adolescent behavioural decisions, and to processess of group formation.

Table of Contents

The historical contents of delinquency research
theories of deviance
colliding with the facts
social control, moral behaviour and reputation
young people and the institutional order
the collective nature of delinquent action
accounting for the facts.

Volume: : pbk ISBN 9780631168232

Description

In this book Nicholas Emler and Stephen Reicher present a new explanation for delinquency by asking about the social dynamics of behavior and misbehavior. The central thesis argues that conduct is motivated by reputation: the problem is to explain why so many young people choose to pursue delinquent reputations. The book begins with a critical look at psychology's traditional reaction to deviance, which has been to attribute it to flaws or deficits in the individual's psychological make-up. The authors go on to examine the major theoretical perspectives on delinquency in both psychology and sociology, relating them to their common roots in the "mass society" thesis of the nineteenth century. The fit between these theories and the facts is then explored in detail: none account successfully for the major features of delinquency. In the final section, the authors develop their own account of deliquency which suggests that the pursuit or avoidance of delinquent behavior is a choice of social identity and moral reputation.

Table of Contents

Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The Historical Context of Delinquency Research. 3. Deviance, Socialization and the 'Crisis' of Adolescence. 4. Colliding with the Facts. 5. Social Control, Moral Behaviour and Reputation. 6. Young People and the Institutional Order. 7. The Collective Character of Adolescent Conduct. 8. Summing Up: Explanation, Intervention and the Theory of Social Control.

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Adolescence and delinquency : the collective management of reputation

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