Answer to Question 1
Interpersonal interactions. Social relationships with families, peers, schools, jobs, criminal justice agencies, and the like, may play an important role in shaping behavioral choices. Inappropriate and disrupted social relations have been linked to crime and delinquency.
Community conditions. Crime and delinquency rates are highest in deteriorated inner-city areas. These communities, wracked by poverty, decay, fear, and despair, also maintain high rates of criminal victimization.
Exposure to violence. Kids living in poor neighborhoods are exposed to a constant stream of antisocial behaviors. Even when neighborhood disadvantage and poverty are taken into account, the more often children are exposed to violence within their residential community the more likely they are to become violent themselves.
Social change. Political unrest and mistrust, economic stress, and family disintegration are social changes that have been found to precede sharp increases in delinquency rates.
Low socioeconomic status. Millions of people have scant, if any, resources and suffer socially and economically as a result. People who live in poverty may have the greatest incentive to commit delinquency.
Racial disparity. The consequences of racial disparity take a toll on youth. Poverty rates among minority groups are still significantly higher than that of whites.
Student views will vary.
Answer to Question 2
Positive Action Through Holistic Education (PATHE) is a comprehensive program used in secondary schools that reduces school disorder and aims to improve the school environment.
The goal is to enhance students' experiences and attitudes about school by increasing their bonds to the school, enhancing their self-esteem, and improving educational and occupational attainment. These improvements will help reduce juvenile delinquency.
PATHE was initially operated in four middle schools and three high schools in South Carolina.
It focused on four elements: strengthening students' commitment to school, providing successful school experiences, encouraging attachment to the educational community, and increasing participation in school activities.
By increasing students' sense of belonging and usefulness, the project sought to promote a positive school experience.
The PATHE program has undergone extensive evaluation by sociologist Denise Gottfredson, who found that the schools in which it was used experienced a moderate reduction in delinquency. Replications of the project are currently under development.
Student views will vary.
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