Social norms are a mix of informal-often unspoken-rules, guides, and standards of behavior. These nonlegal rules and obligations are followed and fulfilled in part because failure to do so brings upon the transgressor such social sanctions as induced feelings of guilt or shame, gossip, shunning, ostracism, and not infrequently, violence (O'Donnell, 2007).
Some states include status offenders in the same category as juvenile delinquents. Other states place status offenders into the position of children, juveniles, or minors in need of supervision.
- Do you believe status offenders and juvenile delinquents should be treated the same?
- Be sure to reference all sources using APA style.