Cain and Abel : a preliminary approach to the relationship between poor school performance and delinquent behaviour

Abstract

The idea that children with learning disabilities are more prone to delinquent tendencies than other children has been a source of widespread discussion, limited research studies, and little consensus (Lane, 1980; Spreen, 1981). Bowman, (1974) even went so far as to say that "Leaming disabilities in early childhood form the basis of an insidious type of lifestyle that inexorably seems to lead toward delinquency" (Waldie & Spreen, 1991.p.43). In order to be able to understand these concepts better, it is necessary to understand exactly what the terms delinquent and deviant refer to, what they have in common, how they are related to our argument in question and their relevance to this essay. During the course of this exercise, I will try to establish the relationship, if any, that exists between poor school performance and delinquent behavior. A significant portion of the essay is to be essentially focused on educational attainment and delinquency, as it is these correlates that are being analyzed. By what criterion is educational achievement established? What are the attributes for poor school performance? Does 'self-fulfilling prophecy' have any affect on poor school performance? And if it does, to what extent does it effect the child's ability to perform in school? How, and why does intelligence affect children in such a way that they turn to delinquent behaviour? Why do some children become delinquent and others not? Does self-esteem have any influence on the matter? [...]