| Abstract: | There is no universal theory of delinquency. Cross-cultural studies of delinquency will help in identifying Western theories of delinquency that are culturally specific or culturally universal. This paper investigates the applicability of Western theories of delinquency to Nigerian conditions. The paper concludes the family-based theories family attachment, poor parental characteristics, parent-child relationship, parental supervision, parental support, parental physical punishment (Glueck and Glueck, 1950, 1968; Nye, 1958; Gold, 1963; Reiss, 1975; Empey and Lubeck, 1971; Sutherland and Cressey, 1960, 1966; Hirschi, 1969; Jensen, 1972, and Grove and Crutchfield, 1982)], differential association (Sutherland 1939), urban conditions (Shaw and McKay, 1942), economic conditions (Bonger, 1916), social control (Hirschi, 1969), and culture conflict (Sellin, 1938) are the most applicable western theories of delinquency to Nigeria. Furthermore, theories such as poverty, broken-home, labeling, and gang membership are found to be inapt to explaining delinquency in Nigeria. Additionally, obstacles to delinquency studies in Nigerian are delineated. |
