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Analyzing Group-Supported Delinquency from an Anomie Perspective

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Analyzing Group-Supported Delinquency from an Anomie Perspective

Delinquency is a social problem involving unlawful acts that do not conform to societal

standards. Group-supported delinquency refers to individuals participating in criminal acts

sanctioned by society. The Anomie perspective draws on the works of Emile Durkheim and

sheds light on this phenomenon for sociological analysis. This essay gives an overview of the

contemporary literature on group-supported and associated theoretical components and policy

implications.

Anomie theory can explain group-supported delinquency as the response to differences

in aspiration and social means. It is argued that because these social pressures can leave an

individual feeling overwhelmed or morally confused, they can lead to a resort to delinquency as

a means of coping or relief. The view proposes that people might not agree to live by social

standards and their intentions; therefore, being naughty becomes an expression of anger they

experience (Shaw, 2002). It is also worth noting that in the case of the anomie perspective,

people can resort to deviant practices so that they can identify themselves and be recognized by

others.

In light of group-supported delinquency, people may feel frustrated with the limitations

of social norms or perceive them as not fair enough. It may be viewed as the basis for rejecting

standard customs, which will cause a person to seek separation from society or go against it.

People can also adopt deviant behaviors like drug abuse when they realize that hard work,

thriftiness, and submission do not give them the results they are looking for (Shaw, 2002).

Furthermore, the theory focuses on socio-cultural adaptation as a cause of ethnocentrism.

Disconnected individuals who are not in the world and those with no sense of belonging might

also find themselves in an antisocial group and look for support and confirmation among
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antisocial group members. Thus, these groups offer materials, chances, and an understanding for

people isolated or perceived as misfits by widespread society.

According to the anomie perspective, group-directed lawbreaking, which involves using

drugs, crime, or other acts of mischief, is the consequence of tension and ambiguity over what is

morally correct within one's social surroundings. In case people see their dreams cannot match

up to what is offered in society, they might lose faith and choose to join social gangs engaged in

juvenile delinquency. The theory of anomie proposes that people experience strain due to their

social aspirations and that in such an atmosphere, people will question themselves and social

expectations. It can also generate a crisis of morality and a quest for substitutive ways through

which they can realize their objectives. Substance use and abuse become one means of coping

with the stress generated by following society's norms. In addition, persons can experience a

certain feeling of togetherness and assistance belonging from the delinquent group. Group

cohesion can also serve to legitimize destructive acts such as drug abuse. Additionally, the

company may facilitate other members of society to commit a crime by engaging one another in

the distribution of prohibited drugs.

Review of Current Literature

One must consider the literature on group-supported delinquency to comprehend it from

an Anomie Perspective. The review refers to numerous scholarly publications, scientific

research, and sociological materials about the reasons and results of the problematic nature of

collective offenders. This will aid in discovering the crossroads between group dynamics and

delinquency to get an understanding of the matter under evaluation.

The study by Sârbu et al. (2022) establishes peer groups' importance in determining

adolescents' behavioral attitudes. Studies show that children who have delinquent peer is likely to
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engage in criminal activities they grow up. Studies have demonstrated that peer influence, gang

association, and social legitimization are factors contributing to group-based

delinquency. Nevertheless, these connections reiterate the importance of socialization within the

peer network, with respect to adolescent anti-social behavior.

Robert Merton's strain theory is one of the extensions of the anomie perspective that

postulates that this disjuncture between societal goals and means leads to social strains and, thus,

a greater probability of offending. This is based on one's failure to use appropriate legal ways of

accruing average success, such as education and employment, leading to strain. As a result,

people turn to other methods, frequently supported by peers, resulting in group-supported

delinquency.

Theoretical Components

Strain Theory

The Anomie Perspective aligns closely with Robert Merton's Strain Theory, which posits

that individuals resort to deviant behavior when they face strain and lack legitimate means to

achieve societal goals (Shaw, 2002). In the case of group-supported delinquency, strained

individuals may view engaging in delinquent activities as a means of achieving success,

recognition, and social status within their peer group (Agnew & Scheuerman, 2015). This

perspective suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in deviant behavior when they

feel disconnected from the legitimate avenues of success, such as school or work. As a result,

they may turn to criminal behavior to feel like they belong and gain acceptance from their peers.

Social Disorganization Theory

Anomie's perspective overlaps with social disorganization theory, where they all point

out their role in causing delinquency. A lifestyle of living in disorganized neighborhoods marked
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by poverty, no jobs, and low societal structures creates a situation that can foster and sustain

criminal gangs. According to anomie theory, individuals will indulge in deviant conduct when

they feel disconnected from society, while social disorganization theory emphasizes the

significance of neighborhood conditions and resources in facilitating such contexts (Shaw,

2002). The two theories also suggest that areas or neighborhoods rich in poverty and

unemployment have an atmosphere conducive to delinquency, such as taking drugs and

committing crimes. According to these theories, interventions need to be implemented to

improve these areas to lower the number of delinquents. This could entail job training and

improved access to the education system for the affected communities. Also, giving youth good

opportunities will go a long way in addressing the problem.

Policy Implications

Policy implication is what governments, organizations, and communities can do about

group-supported delinquency. Such investments include economic and social assets, community-

based programs, and restorative justice.

Economic and Social Investments

Good enough policies need not only to tackle the underlying structures leading to

educational, employment-related, and health disparity differences but should also promote

expanding educational facilities, professional training centers, and employment sites in poor

neighborhoods. A proactive approach to economic and social investment helps reduce

delinquency, such as feeling that one has something to lose if one engages in these behaviors.

They can feel empowerment and a sense of belonging by equipping disadvantaged communities

with jobs and proper education. Consequently, the lower rewards of criminal activities may

reduce crime rates in a particular society. Also, putting more investments into this sector could
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enhance feelings of pride among the individuals in the community (Shaw, 2002). This could also

improve how people relate with themselves, their families, and their community.

Community-Based Programs

The government should introduce community-based programs to help create more social

integration, positive peer influences, and mentoring so that at-risk individuals will not engage in

group-supported delinquency. These should be designed to develop strong linkages with

communities, provide worthwhile recreational opportunities, and offer counseling and other

related support services. These programs assume a safer context for adolescents, along with an

avenue where they meet friendly peer mentors to deter them from crime. These programs will

provide various activities that encourage constructive engagement to reduce youths' isolation and

alienation tendencies, which may lead to positive relationships with people.

Restorative Justice

One viable option for group-supported delinquency would be to enact restorative justice

programs that focus on repairing harm, reintegrating offenders into society, and dealing with the

root causes of delinquency. These approaches emphasize bond strengthening, behavioral change,

and how they can be productive in their communities. Restorative justice practices help achieve

these objectives by enhancing services to individuals to break the recidivism cycle and make

communities safe and equitable.

To sum up, group-supported delinquency involves a socially critical problem that

requires attention and action. Through Anomie Perspective, policymakers can understand the

causes and effects of gang activity to create appropriate policies for its prevention. In policy

terms, a solution that addresses group-supported delinquencies is an investment for economically

disadvantaged areas. It should comprise community-based programs that promote friendly

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communities with supportive services and restorative justice approaches aiming to repair harm

and reintegration. These policies seek to address the root causes of delinquency and provide

people with resources, opportunities, and support to make communities safer by reducing the

incidence of group-supported delinquency.

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References

Agnew, R., & Scheuerman, H. (2015, May 29). Strain Theories. Oxford Bibliographies.

https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780195396607/obo-

9780195396607-0005.xml

Sârbu, E. A., Nadolu, B., Runcan, R., Tomiță, M., & Lazăr, F. (2022). Social predictors of the transition

from anomie to deviance in adolescence. PLOS ONE, 17(6), e0269236.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269236

Shaw, V. N. (2002). Substance Use and Abuse. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.