Conceptualizing Delinquency Among Samoan Adolescents: An Integrative Model

Abstract

Information about various ethnic groups, particularly Samoans, that evince high rates of juvenile crimes is surprisingly sparse. The existing information regarding delinquency suggests that Samoan adolescents appear in disproportionate numbers in the justice system and other social systems in the United States. Current research on delinquency tends to incorporate 2 or more theories as a way to account for varying influences on delinquency. An analysis of the literature on social problems confronting Samoan adolescents, theories of delinquency, and studies on delinquency in communities of color is provided. As such, an integrative theoretical model attempting to explain delinquency with Samoan adolescents is proposed.

KEYTERMS:

• Samoan adolescents
• delinquency
• theories