Delinquent behavior

The theory was developed by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson in 1979. The basis of the theory is that criminal acts are based on the interrelation of three variables. These variables are regarded as routine activities in a criminal’s daily life. The first is the absence of capable guardians. The second is the availability of suitable targets of crime. Although the maturity of young adults is equal to older adults, their psychosocial maturity is far below that of an older adult. This points to the need for guidance from a guardian in averting decisions that lack a sense of maturity. The development of delinquency in younger adults is significantly influenced by the lack of mature, long term thought that can be influenced by guardians.