Does "Broken Home" Theory Cause Delinquency in Children? (Essay Sample)

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Is it Misleading to State that a "Broken Home" is Firmly Established Cause of Delinquency in Children?
Numerous sociologists throughout history have relied on the broken home theory to explain the delinquent behavior of juveniles. Wilkinson (728) defines the broken family as one that has deviated from society deems as the desirable family structure. Rebellon (109) argues that a broken home could encourage delinquency by facilitating enhanced interaction with delinquent peers from broken homes. In light of this, social learning theorists contend that interaction with delinquent peers plays a mediating role between delinquency and broken homes.
The theory has found application and acceptance until recently. The American society largely views the ideal family structure as consisting of two parents, a mother and a father. In a broken home, both or one of the parents is missing due to diverse, separation, death, or desertion. In this kind of family setting, children lack proper role models, maternal or paternal love, and someone to control their errant behavior. In this respect, broken home theory mainly hinges on the structure of the family.
Numerous sociologists have maintained that increased cases of delinquent behavior are associated with a broken home (Stuart n.p.) and that the increased freedom among juveniles resulted in increased participation in deviant activities (Jensen 23). Accordingly, the broken home theory gained wide acceptance. However, the broken home theory has also been rejected in equal measure. The increasing influence of the educational and political institutions on the family meant that they also had an influence on the development of children. In addition, we now have a very different view of the family. For example, The National Center for Juvenile Justice further notes that "the proportion of children living in single parent households increased from 9 percent in 1920 to 27 percent in 2002" (Snyder and Sickmund 47). This is indicative of a changing family structure and the rising predominance of single parents.
In addition, several factors influence delinquent behavior, besides the broken home theory. Therefore, it would be misleading to claim that delinquent behavior among children could be explained as largely the result of a broken home.