Argumentative Essay on Negative Effects of Juvenile Incarceration is published for informational purposes only. The free papers are not written by our writers, they are contributed by users, so we are not responsible for the content of this free sample paper. If you want to buy a quality Essay on Argumentative Essay on Negative Effects of Juvenile Incarceration at affordable prices please use our essay writing services offered by EssayEmpire.

Many believe that juvenile incarceration has a negative effect on juveniles and may in fact increase recidivism (future involvement in criminal behavior). While incarcerated, juvenile offenders interact with other delinquents, allowing them the opportunity to acquire and hone criminal skills, thereby fostering delinquent values and beliefs. Criminologists find that this bringing together of delinquent youth tends to increase delinquent acts, a process called "peer deviancy training."

Incarcerated juveniles may recidivate at a higher rate than those treated in a non-secure, community-based setting. Additionally, incarceration may increase the probability of a multitude of problems, such as physical injury while confined, mental health issues, and lower levels of educational achievement than for those treated within the community. Many juvenile offenders have learning disabilities and find it difficult to attain educational success once they are released. Furthermore, after release many find it difficult to obtain gainful employment as well, making them more susceptible to criminal activity to achieve economic goals.

According to labeling theory (also referred to as "social reaction theory"), a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy concept, juveniles who come into contact with the juvenile justice system experience increased alienation and reinforced criminal identity. Official efforts to control crime often have the opposite effect of increasing crime. Juveniles who are arrested, adjudicated, and punished are labeled as delinquents. Others then view and treat these people as criminals, and this increases the likelihood of subsequent crime for several reasons. Labeled individuals may have trouble attaining educational goals and obtaining legitimate employment, both of which increase their level of strain and reduce their stake in conformity. Labeled individuals may find that conventional people are reluctant to associate with them, and they may associate with other criminals as a result. This reduces their bond with conventional others and fosters the social learning of crime. They begin to see themselves in a negative or criminal context, which is reinforced by a society that views them as such. During this formative and developmental stage of self-identification among adolescents, the reaction of those around them helps shape their sense of self. As a result of the adolescent's negative self-concept, he or she may find it more difficult to resist involvement in criminal activity and may be more likely to associate with like-minded negative peers, in turn increasing the likelihood of further involvement in the criminal justice system.

In addition, juveniles often ''age out'' of delinquent behavior, meaning that as they age, graduate, meet a significant other, and become gainfully employed, they desist from criminal behavior and become productive members of society. Institutionalization disconnects juveniles from many pro-social factors, including family, school, and community, and may disrupt the aging-out process. Although many delinquents return to school after institutionalization, they are more likely to drop out and in turn experience higher rates of unemployment, lower pay, and poorer health than those who graduate from high school.

Bibliography:

1) Binder, Arnold, Gilbert Geis, and Bruce Dickson. 2001. Juvenile Delinquency: Historical, Cultural, and Legal Perspectives. Cincinnati, OH: Anderson.

2) Flowers, Ronald B. 1990. The Adolescent Criminal: An Examination of Today's Juvenile Offender. Jefferson, NC: McFarland.

3) Lanctot, Nadine, Stephone Cernkovich, and Peggy C. Giordano. 2007. "Delinquent Behavior, Official Delinquency, and Gender: Consequences for Adulthood Functioning and Well-Being." Criminology 45:131-57.

Free essays are not written to satisfy your specific instructions. You can order a term paper, research paper or custom TOPIC at our site which offers professional essay writing services. Get your high quality custom paper at relatively cheap prices. EssayEmpire is the best solution for those who seek help in essay writing related to TOPIC and other relevant topics.