ABSTRACT
Some syntheses of disparate, preexisting theories might be regarded as partial integrated theories though many of them are not much different from empirical models, and most are narrow, with some focused specifically on "delinquency," or in some cases, on particular forms of delinquency. Rand Conger begins by noting the inconsistency between social control theory, which predicts that attachment to peers will reduce delinquency, and research evidence suggesting that such attachments, when the peers are themselves delinquent, actually increases the likelihood of delinquency. Since social control theory assumes motivation, it predicts that strong bonds will always reduce delinquency. Motivation toward delinquency may vary from individual to individual depending on the inherent reinforcement value of the behavior as well as on the differential likelihood of social rewards from peers. The mainline delinquency integration, integrations around reinforcement/learning, and integration through the bridging process of shaming variously use, in one way or another, three forms of integration, those being structural, conceptual, or assimilative integration.
