Question 1

What are some of the changes in police practices that have led to an increase in violent crime arrests for females?

Accepted Answer

Several changes in police practices and broader social factors may have contributed to an increase in violent crime arrests for females. It's important to note that the relationship between police practices and crime rates is complex and multifaceted, and the following points are not exhaustive but provide some insights into potential contributing factors:

1. **Shift in Policing Strategies**: Some police departments have shifted from reactive to proactive policing strategies. This means that instead of responding to crimes after they occur, officers actively patrol and engage with the community to prevent crime. This can lead to more interactions with potential suspects, including females, and potentially more arrests.

2. **Changes in Reporting and Recording**: There has been an increased emphasis on accurate crime reporting and recording. As police departments improve their data collection and reporting systems, more crimes, including those committed by females, are likely to be documented and lead to arrests.

3. **Increased Attention to Domestic Violence**: Law enforcement agencies have become more vigilant in addressing domestic violence, which often involves female perpetrators as well as victims. Mandatory arrest policies in domestic violence cases can lead to an increase in the number of females arrested for violent crimes.

4. **Gang Involvement**: As females become more involved in gang activities, which are often associated with violent crime, their arrest rates for such offenses may increase. Police targeting gang violence may inadvertently contribute to a rise in female arrests.

5. **Changes in Legislation**: New laws and changes to existing laws can criminalize behaviors that were previously not considered offenses or were not enforced, leading to an increase in arrests. For example, if a jurisdiction implements stricter laws on assault or public order offenses, this could affect arrest rates for both males and females.

6. **Drug-Related Offenses**: The opioid epidemic and other drug-related issues can lead to an increase in violent crime as individuals engage in criminal behavior to support their addiction. Females involved in the drug trade or who commit violent crimes related to drug use may be arrested more frequently as a result.

7. **Gender-Neutral Enforcement**: There has been a move towards more gender-neutral enforcement of laws, which means that females are just as likely to be arrested for violent crimes as males. This can lead to an increase in the number of females arrested for such offenses.

8. **Community Policing and Outreach**: Some police departments have increased their community policing efforts, which can lead to a greater awareness of crimes that may have previously gone unreported or unnoticed. This can include violent crimes committed by females.

9. **Societal Changes**: Changes in societal norms and the roles of women may also contribute to an increase in violent crime arrests among females. As women occupy spaces that were traditionally male-dominated, including in criminal activities, their visibility in crime statistics may rise.

It's important to analyze these factors within the context of each jurisdiction and consider the broader social, economic, and cultural influences that may affect crime rates and policing practices. Additionally, while these factors may contribute to an increase in arrests, they do not necessarily reflect an actual increase in the incidence of violent crimes committed by females; rather, they may indicate changes in law enforcement's detection and reporting of such crimes.

Question 2

Describe the relationship between race and delinquency, noting differences among arrest, victimization, early self-report studies, and more recent self-report studies. What conclusions do you draw about the relationship between race and delinquency? Justify your answer.

Accepted Answer

The relationship between race and delinquency has been a topic of extensive research in criminology. Historically, there has been a strong association between race and delinquency, with racial minorities, particularly African Americans and Hispanics, being overrepresented in arrest statistics for delinquent behavior. This has led to the perception of racial disparities in the criminal justice system, with minority youth being disproportionately targeted and punished for their involvement in delinquent activities.

However, it is important to note that the relationship between race and delinquency is complex and multifaceted. When considering victimization, early self-report studies, and more recent self-report studies, it becomes evident that the relationship between race and delinquency is not as straightforward as arrest statistics may suggest.

In terms of victimization, research has shown that racial minorities, particularly African American and Hispanic youth, are more likely to be victims of crime, including delinquent acts. This suggests that the overrepresentation of minority youth in arrest statistics may be influenced by factors such as socioeconomic disadvantage and exposure to high-crime neighborhoods, rather than inherent differences in delinquent behavior based on race.

Early self-report studies, which rely on individuals' own admissions of delinquent behavior, have also revealed that there are no significant differences in the prevalence of delinquency across racial groups. This challenges the notion that certain racial groups are inherently more prone to delinquent behavior and highlights the importance of considering social and environmental factors in understanding delinquency.

More recent self-report studies have further emphasized the role of social and environmental factors in shaping delinquent behavior, showing that disparities in delinquency rates among racial groups can be attributed to unequal access to resources, exposure to violence, and experiences of discrimination.

In conclusion, the relationship between race and delinquency is not a simple one. While racial minorities may be overrepresented in arrest statistics for delinquent behavior, this does not necessarily reflect inherent differences in delinquent behavior based on race. Instead, it is crucial to consider the influence of social and environmental factors in shaping delinquent behavior, and to address the systemic inequalities that contribute to racial disparities in the criminal justice system. This highlights the need for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the relationship between race and delinquency, one that takes into account the complex interplay of individual, social, and structural factors.

Question 3

Compare the findings of arrest data and self-report data with regard to gender and delinquency. Given the strengths and weaknesses of the data, what general conclusions can be made with regard to the relationship between gender and delinquency? Defend your answer.

Accepted Answer

The findings of arrest data and self-report data with regard to gender and delinquency often show some discrepancies. Arrest data typically show that males are more likely to be arrested for delinquent behavior compared to females. This is often attributed to the fact that males are more likely to engage in visible and serious forms of delinquency, such as violent crimes. On the other hand, self-report data often reveal that both males and females engage in delinquent behavior at similar rates, but females may be more likely to engage in less visible forms of delinquency, such as substance abuse or shoplifting.

The strengths of arrest data lie in its objectivity and reliability, as it is based on official records of arrests. However, it may not capture all instances of delinquent behavior, as not all delinquent acts lead to arrest. Self-report data, on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive understanding of delinquent behavior, as it captures both visible and less visible forms of delinquency. However, it may be subject to biases and inaccuracies, as individuals may underreport or overreport their delinquent behavior.

Based on these findings, it can be concluded that there is a complex relationship between gender and delinquency. While males may be more likely to engage in visible and serious forms of delinquency, females are not immune to delinquent behavior. The discrepancies between arrest data and self-report data highlight the importance of considering multiple sources of data when studying gender and delinquency. It also emphasizes the need to consider the social and cultural factors that may influence the reporting and recording of delinquent behavior. Overall, the relationship between gender and delinquency is not straightforward and requires a nuanced understanding that takes into account the limitations and biases of different data sources.

Question 4

Discuss why it is important in terms of the relationship between juvenile delinquency and race to consider the fact that African Americans are more likely to live in high-poverty communities.

Accepted Answer

It is important to consider the fact tha

Question 5

Agnew and Brezina discuss toddlers and out-of-control behavior. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A)  Toddlers and very young children regularly engage in misbehavior. 
B)  Toddlers and very young children regularly engage in minor forms of aggression. 
C)  Out-of-control toddlers are more likely to become adolescent offenders. 
D)  all of the above 
A)  Toddlers and very young children regularly engage in misbehavior. 
B)  Toddlers and very young children regularly engage in minor forms of aggression. 
C)  Out-of-control toddlers are more likely to become adolescent offenders. 
D)  all of the above

Question 6

The sociodemographic characteristics that are most closely associated with delinquency are:

Accepted Answer

A)  race and social class 
B)  gender and race 
C)  age and gender 
D)  social class and gender 
E)  age and race 
A)  race and social class 
B)  gender and race 
C)  age and gender 
D)  social class and gender 
E)  age and race

Question 7

Juveniles experiencing persistent poverty are:

Accepted Answer

A)  more likely to engage in delinquency 
B)  less likely to engage in delinquency 
C)  just as likely to engage in delinquency 
D)  none of the above 
A)  more likely to engage in delinquency 
B)  less likely to engage in delinquency 
C)  just as likely to engage in delinquency 
D)  none of the above

Question 8

Recent research that examines the relationship between race and serious delinquency suggests that the relationship may be due to ______________, rather than to race.

Accepted Answer

A)  the glorification of violence in music and movies 
B)  media bias 
C)  a breakdown of organized religion 
D)  social class and community context 
A)  the glorification of violence in music and movies 
B)  media bias 
C)  a breakdown of organized religion 
D)  social class and community context

Question 9

Self-report data show that:

Accepted Answer

A)  female delinquency is increasing more rapidly than male delinquency 
B)  there are no gender differences in minor delinquency 
C)  there are no gender differences in serious delinquency 
D)  none of the above 
A)  female delinquency is increasing more rapidly than male delinquency 
B)  there are no gender differences in minor delinquency 
C)  there are no gender differences in serious delinquency 
D)  none of the above

Question 10

According to Agnew and Brezina, which of the following dimensions offers the best way to classify offenders?

Accepted Answer

A)  race and social class 
B)  age of onset and type of offenses committed 
C)  seriousness and type of offense 
D)  frequency and duration of offending and seriousness of offense 
A)  race and social class 
B)  age of onset and type of offenses committed 
C)  seriousness and type of offense 
D)  frequency and duration of offending and seriousness of offense

Question 11

Which of the following statements is TRUE about victimization data?

Accepted Answer

A)  There are no victimization data on the relationship between social class and delinquency. 
B)  There are no victimization data on the relationship between race and delinquency. 
C)  Victimization data suggest that white juveniles are disproportionately involved in violent crime. 
D)  Victimization data indicate that white females are more likely to be the victims of serious violence. 
A)  There are no victimization data on the relationship between social class and delinquency. 
B)  There are no victimization data on the relationship between race and delinquency. 
C)  Victimization data suggest that white juveniles are disproportionately involved in violent crime. 
D)  Victimization data indicate that white females are more likely to be the victims of serious violence.

Question 12

What are some of the common reasons discussed by Agnew and Brezina for why adults may remain "ignorant" of their child's delinquency? Do young people play an active role in such ignorance? Explain your answers.

Accepted Answer

Agnew and Brezina discuss several common

Question 13

For males, arrest rates for property crime:

Accepted Answer

A)  peak in mid-adolescence and then decline rapidly 
B)  peak in late adolescence and early adulthood and then decline rapidly 
C)  peak in mid- to late adolescence and then decline slowly 
D)  peak in late adolescence and early adulthood and then decline slowly 
A)  peak in mid-adolescence and then decline rapidly 
B)  peak in late adolescence and early adulthood and then decline rapidly 
C)  peak in mid- to late adolescence and then decline slowly 
D)  peak in late adolescence and early adulthood and then decline slowly

Question 14

Data are at odds concerning the gender gap in delinquency-arrest data indicate a narrowing gender gap, whereas self-report and victimization data show no change in the gender gap. Why might these data be at odds with each other? Which do you believe to be more accurate? Why?

Accepted Answer

The discrepancy between delinquency-arre

Question 15

The more recent self-report surveys suggest that:

Accepted Answer

A)  Whites are more likely than African Americans to engage in minor delinquency 
B)  African Americans are more likely than Whites to engage in minor delinquency 
C)  Whites are more likely than African Americans to engage in serious delinquency 
D)  African Americans are more likely than Whites to engage in serious delinquency 
A)  Whites are more likely than African Americans to engage in minor delinquency 
B)  African Americans are more likely than Whites to engage in minor delinquency 
C)  Whites are more likely than African Americans to engage in serious delinquency 
D)  African Americans are more likely than Whites to engage in serious delinquency

Question 16

Agnew and Brezina state that delinquency is common among adolescents. Discuss why most juveniles are able to leave this phase behind, whereas other adolescents continue to commit crime well into adulthood. Is there a single factor that stands out as more influential than others?

Accepted Answer

There are several factors that contribut

Question 17

Studies of juvenile offending patterns find that a small percentage of juveniles:

Accepted Answer

A)  engage in moderate amounts of delinquency 
B)  commit no delinquent acts 
C)  are "adolescent-limited" offenders 
D)  stop offending in late adolescence 
A)  engage in moderate amounts of delinquency 
B)  commit no delinquent acts 
C)  are "adolescent-limited" offenders 
D)  stop offending in late adolescence

Question 18

As discussed in the text, Chambliss' study of the middle-class "Saints" and the lower-class "Roughnecks" revealed that the:

Accepted Answer

A)  Saints' delinquency was less visible 
B)  costs of the Saints' delinquency were minor compared to those of the Roughnecks 
C)  Saints committed minor delinquency, and the Roughnecks engaged in serious delinquency 
D)  Roughnecks went to considerable lengths to hide their delinquency 
E)  all of the above 
A)  Saints' delinquency was less visible 
B)  costs of the Saints' delinquency were minor compared to those of the Roughnecks 
C)  Saints committed minor delinquency, and the Roughnecks engaged in serious delinquency 
D)  Roughnecks went to considerable lengths to hide their delinquency 
E)  all of the above

Question 19

Which of the following statements about gender and delinquency is correct?

Accepted Answer

A)  Males have higher rates of delinquency than females. 
B)  Gender differences in delinquency are greatest for serious offenses. 
C)  Males and females tend to commit similar types of offenses. 
D)  all of the above 
E)  none of the above 
A)  Males have higher rates of delinquency than females. 
B)  Gender differences in delinquency are greatest for serious offenses. 
C)  Males and females tend to commit similar types of offenses. 
D)  all of the above 
E)  none of the above

Question 20

Compare and contrast adolescence-limited offenders and chronic offenders. When does offending typically begin and end for both groups? Which group is more common? Which group commits the majority of offenses?

Accepted Answer

Adolescence-limited offenders and chroni

Exam 4: Who Is Most Likely to Engage in Delinquency

What are some of the changes in police practices that have led to an increase in violent crime arrests for females?

Describe the relationship between race and delinquency, noting differences among arrest, victimization, early self-report studies, and more recent self-report studies. What conclusions do you draw about the relationship between race and delinquency? Justify your answer.

Compare the findings of arrest data and self-report data with regard to gender and delinquency. Given the strengths and weaknesses of the data, what general conclusions can be made with regard to the relationship between gender and delinquency? Defend your answer.

Discuss why it is important in terms of the relationship between juvenile delinquency and race to consider the fact that African Americans are more likely to live in high-poverty communities.

Agnew and Brezina discuss toddlers and out-of-control behavior. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

The sociodemographic characteristics that are most closely associated with delinquency are:

Juveniles experiencing persistent poverty are:

Recent research that examines the relationship between race and serious delinquency suggests that the relationship may be due to ______________, rather than to race.

Self-report data show that:

According to Agnew and Brezina, which of the following dimensions offers the best way to classify offenders?

Which of the following statements is TRUE about victimization data?

What are some of the common reasons discussed by Agnew and Brezina for why adults may remain "ignorant" of their child's delinquency? Do young people play an active role in such ignorance? Explain your answers.

For males, arrest rates for property crime:

Data are at odds concerning the gender gap in delinquency-arrest data indicate a narrowing gender gap, whereas self-report and victimization data show no change in the gender gap. Why might these data be at odds with each other? Which do you believe to be more accurate? Why?

The more recent self-report surveys suggest that:

Agnew and Brezina state that delinquency is common among adolescents. Discuss why most juveniles are able to leave this phase behind, whereas other adolescents continue to commit crime well into adulthood. Is there a single factor that stands out as more influential than others?

Studies of juvenile offending patterns find that a small percentage of juveniles:

As discussed in the text, Chambliss' study of the middle-class "Saints" and the lower-class "Roughnecks" revealed that the:

Which of the following statements about gender and delinquency is correct?

Compare and contrast adolescence-limited offenders and chronic offenders. When does offending typically begin and end for both groups? Which group is more common? Which group commits the majority of offenses?

What Is Delinquency and How Does It Differ From Adult Crime

How Is Delinquency Measureding the Extent of Rape

How Much Delinquency Is There, and Is Delinquency Increasing

What Is a Theory and How Do We Test Theories

Strain Theory

Social Learning Theory

Control Theory

Labeling Theory

The Life Course

Is Delinquency More Likely in Certain Types of Situations

Group Differences in Delinquency

Individual Traits

The Family

The School

Delinquent Peers and Gangs

Other Social Influences

Pulling It All Together

Policies and Programs

The Police

Juvenile Court and Corrections

The Juvenile Justice System

The Strategies of Deterrence and Incapacitation

The Strategies of Prevention and Rehabilitation

What Should We Do to Reduce Delinquency

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