What does the social development model (SDM) seek to integrate?

The social development model (SDM) aims to provide a comprehensive framework that integrates various theoretical perspectives on youth behavior and delinquency. By combining structural, social learning, and social control models, the SDM emphasizes the interplay between individual characteristics and environmental influences.

The structural aspect examines how societal factors such as socioeconomic status and community characteristics affect youth behavior. Social learning theory focuses on how behavior is acquired through interactions and peer influences, while social control theory analyzes the effects of external constraints that prevent deviance. Together, these elements help to explain not only how delinquent behavior originates but also how it can be mitigated through positive social interactions and supportive environments.

This multifaceted approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of juvenile delinquency, recognizing that factors at both individual and community levels are crucial for preventing and addressing delinquent behaviors.