It is thought that some youths choose crime as a means of retaliation or to seek revenge for a real or perceived wrong. Richard Felson states that violence can be used to achieve a number of specific goals. List and describe the four goals presented by Felson. Critique Felson's goals. Do you believe the goals may be limited or all encompassing? Would you include additional goals? If so, what

Question

would they be? Provide a rationale for your views.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Control
o The violent person may want to control his victim's behavior and life.
• Retribution
o Violence may be used to punish someone without calling the police or using the justice system to address grievances. Youths will take the law into their own hands if they do not trust the law.
• Deterrence
o The attacker may want to stop or deter someone from repeating acts that he or she considers hostile or provocative.
• Reputation
o An attack may be motivated by the need to enhance reputation and create self-importance in the eyes of others. Teens with a tough rep shield themselves from revenge and retribution if they choose to victimize other adolescents.
• Student responses will vary