Aaron Marsh
DQ7: The Family and Delinquency
Four types of familial dysfunction are identified by Siegel and Welsh as having the potential
to encourage juvenile delinquency. These categories demonstrate how poor family dynamics
can influence a child's social behavior and emotional growth. Family disintegration, which
happens when families separate or divorce, is the first type. Children who experience this
instability frequently experience emotional pain because they may feel abandoned or
unsupported by one or both of their parents (Siegel & Welsh, n.d). In these situations,
behavioral issues and a higher risk of delinquency may result from the lack of a stable family
environment and proper supervision.
Family conflict, the second category, describes circumstances in which there are regular
disputes, animosity, or even physical altercations inside the family. Children who grow up in
these kinds of settings frequently absorb these violent conflict resolution techniques, which
can show up as disruptive or violent conduct outside the family. Emotional strain can result
from high levels of tension and animosity in the home, and kids may act out to vent their
anger at living in such a chaotic setting.
The third category is abuse or neglect in the family. This include neglecting a child's basic
requirements for care and protection as well as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.
Children who grow up in these kinds of settings frequently experience psychological trauma
that impairs their capacity for emotional control and trust. When kids feel abandoned or
unwanted, they may resort to misbehavior as a means of venting their frustration or obtaining
adult attention. A child's ability to develop appropriate coping strategies is also seriously
hampered in abusive circumstances, which causes them to act destructively.
The last group is deviant parents, which includes parents who act in an illegal or abnormal
manner. Because the family is the main socializing mechanism, children of these parents are
more likely to go the same route. A youngster may internalize deviant behavior as normal if
they grow up in a setting where it is modelled and accepted. Consequently, they are more
prone to replicate the behaviours seen at home by engaging in delinquency themselves.
Case Study
The 16-year-old Mike was raised in a home where his parents were always at odds with one
another, usually about money. Being the only child, he was frequently involved in these
arguments, which caused him considerable suffering. Mike acted out in school, fighting,
defying authorities, and eventually damaging school property because of the terrible
atmosphere at home. He acknowledged that he had learnt aggressive tendencies from his
parents and did not know how to control his rage. Mike's story serves as a reminder of how
family strife may harm a child's emotional growth and lead to criminal behavior.
References
Siegel, L., & Welsh, B. (n.d.). (PDF) Juvenile Delinquency: The Core CLICK HERE TO
DOWNLOAD. https://www.cefracor.org/sites/www.cefracor.org/files/webform/documents/
offre-complete/fichier/pdf-juvenile-delinquency-the-core-larry-j-siegel-brandon-c-welsh-pdf-
download-free-book-4fcf781.pdf
