by
Wafeeq Sabir, PhD
Harvard psychologist B.F. Skinner is noted for his behavioral theories "which focused on the background of behavior and reinforcers" (Lefton, 2000, p.330). His works attempted to compare the relationship of changes within the environment, and how individuals respond to the changes within the environment. Skinner and other behaviorists claim that one's development is based on their past experiences in life, rather than genetics.
Psychologist Lev Vygotsky viewed child development through a sociocultural setting. He declared that a child's skills and knowledge base are all connected to the culture of that individual (Lefton, 2000).
Because social factors may precipitate delinquent behavior; including one's culture, socio-economic status, and peer association, children should be held accountable for delinquent conduct. In Texas, a child between the ages of 10 and 16 is deemed as criminally responsible for their actions (Texas, 2005). A 10 year old child who steals a pair of expensive basketball shoes under the intimidation constraints of being assaulted by an older adolescent is still criminally responsible. I believe that each case lies on its own merit and would have to be dealt with accordingly. A 10 year old who does this act out of fear or for survival purposes may however exhibit this behavior as a result of negative reinforcement but may also develop a sense of acceptance by others which may result in continuous delinquent behavior (Bartol, 2002). APA (2000) suggests that the behavior may be characteristic of Childhood Onset Conduct Disorder if the behavior continues.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Bartol, C. R. (2002). Criminal behavior: A psychosocial approach (6th ed.). Upper Sadle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Lefton, L. A. (2000). Psychology (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Texas criminal and traffic law manual (2005-2006 ed.). (2005). Charlottesville, VA: LexisNexis
Psychologist Lev Vygotsky viewed child development through a sociocultural setting. He declared that a child's skills and knowledge base are all connected to the culture of that individual (Lefton, 2000).
Because social factors may precipitate delinquent behavior; including one's culture, socio-economic status, and peer association, children should be held accountable for delinquent conduct. In Texas, a child between the ages of 10 and 16 is deemed as criminally responsible for their actions (Texas, 2005). A 10 year old child who steals a pair of expensive basketball shoes under the intimidation constraints of being assaulted by an older adolescent is still criminally responsible. I believe that each case lies on its own merit and would have to be dealt with accordingly. A 10 year old who does this act out of fear or for survival purposes may however exhibit this behavior as a result of negative reinforcement but may also develop a sense of acceptance by others which may result in continuous delinquent behavior (Bartol, 2002). APA (2000) suggests that the behavior may be characteristic of Childhood Onset Conduct Disorder if the behavior continues.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Bartol, C. R. (2002). Criminal behavior: A psychosocial approach (6th ed.). Upper Sadle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Lefton, L. A. (2000). Psychology (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Texas criminal and traffic law manual (2005-2006 ed.). (2005). Charlottesville, VA: LexisNexis
