Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice
Article Title
Abstract
This qualitative descriptive study used Agnew's general strain theory of crime and delinquency as lens through which to interpret the recent developments of juvenile gangs and gang-related activities in Houston, Texas. Agnew strain theory's main prepositions describe: 1) an inability to achieve goals that are valued positively, 2) an absence of positive goals, and 3) a presence of negativity or crime. These were assessed in terms of applicability to joining gangs in Houston. Data were collected by unstructured interviews of city employees who respond to Houston's gangs (e.g., Mayor' Anti-Gang Office staff and Houston Police Department officers), area observations, and a review of city and police documents regarding gang activity in Houston. There appeared to be support for Agnew's assertion that strain precedes much juvenile delinquency.
Recommended Citation
Dawkins, M., & Gibson, C. (2010). The Applicability of Agnew’s General Theory of Crime and Delinquency to Recent Juvenile Gang Membership in Houston. Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice, 4(1). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/cojjp-contemporaryissues/vol4/iss1/1
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance Commons, Social Work Commons
