AN ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY TO THE CHANGING NATURE OF JUVENILE CRIMES AND LEGAL RESPONSES TO NAVIGATE THE CHANGE

Abstract

Social learning theory has been used to a wide range of criminals and their crimes. This article examines how Social Learning Theory is applied to the dynamic nature of juvenile delinquency. Modern civilization is distinguished by rapid technological advancement, changing social dynamics, and new forms of delinquency, making it necessary to analyze and alter standard criminological theories. The Social Learning Theory, created by Albert Bandura, emphasizes observational learning, modeling, and reinforcement in human behavior. This study analyzes how Social Learning Theory can explain and address juvenile delinquency. The literature study discusses juvenile delinquency’s changing traits, including cyberbullying, online harassment, gang affiliation, substance abuse, and other trends. This article investigates Social Learning Theory’s adaptability to juvenile offenses. Reexamining the theory helps determine its significance in this domain. Young people develop delinquent behaviors due to peer, media, parental, and educational influences. Case studies highlight specific juvenile delinquent scenarios and explain how the theoretical framework might be utilized to understand their dynamics. The discussion portion of this study critically evaluates the data, highlights the theory’s merits, and addresses any practical challenges. The paper emphasizes the importance of implementing modified Social Learning Theory into juvenile delinquent prevention and intervention. The current study adds to criminological theory research. It also provides insights that can improve methods to address complicated issues originating from changing juvenile crime patterns.

KEYWORDS: Juvenile Delinquents, Juvenile Crimes, Social Learning Theory, Criminological Theory.