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The social development model: An integrated approach to delinquency prevention

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Abstract

This paper describes a comprehensive developmental approach to preventing youth crime based on the social development model, an integration of social control theory and social learning theory. The model asserts that the most important units of socialization, family, schools, peers, and community, influence behavior sequentially. Positive socialization is achieved when youths have the opportunity within each unit to be involved in conforming activities, when they develop skills necessary to be successfully involved, and when those with whom they interact consistently reward desired behaviors. These conditions should increase attachment to others, commitment to conforming behavior, and belief in the conventional order. These social bonds to conventional society inhibit association with delinquent pers and, in turn, prevent delinquent behavior. The paper describes prevention approaches consistent with the model. Rigorous evaluation of the delinquency prevention effects of these interventions is needed.

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Authors
  1. J. David Hawkins
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  2. Joseph G. Weis
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Prepared under Grant Number 79-JN-AX-0014, Supp. #1 awarded to the Center for Law and Justice, University of Washington, Seattle, by the National Institute for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. J. David Hawkins is Director, Center for Social Welfare Research and Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of Washington. Joseph G. Weis is Director, Center for Law and Justice, and Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Washington.

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Hawkins, J.D., Weis, J.G. The social development model: An integrated approach to delinquency prevention. J Primary Prevent 6, 73–97 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01325432

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