W3: A3: Ch7 Assignment
Jacob came from a lower-class family and had a normal childhood until he entered school. At school, his academic achievement was low, and he did not pay much attention in class. He wanted to be friends with middle-class kids in school and wanted the material possessions they had. Because he did not have the material possessions of other kids in school, he began to steal from local department stores. He was caught by store security attempting to steal a leather jacket. The police came and arrested Jacob and placed him in juvenile detention. He was adjudicated delinquent in juvenile court for theft. His peers and teachers heard about Jacob’s arrest and adjudication and started to treat him as a thief. Nobody would leave their possessions unattended with Jacob, and he became a social outcast in school. He began to associate with other outcasts, and they developed their own code of conduct and their own means to obtain status. Jacob continued to commit other acts of delinquency through his youth.
What social theories can be used to explain Jacob’s behavior? Of the theories used to explain his behavior, which one best explains his behavior?
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