Agnew 6E Learning Objectives 16

After reading this chapter, students should be able to:

1. Describe the association between delinquent peers and delinquent behavior, including some of the possible reasons for this association.

2. Describe the conditions under which delinquent peers are most likely to cause delinquency.

3. Draw on the major delinquency theories to explain the effect of delinquent peer groups on delinquent behavior.

4. Explain why juveniles become involved with delinquent peer groups.

5. Distinguish street gangs from other delinquent peer groups.

6. Discuss the role of street gangs in serious crime.

7. Explain why juveniles join and leave gangs.

8. Explain why gangs often develop in lower-income, urban communities.

9. Describe trends in the growth of street gangs.