Juvenile arson--the social consequences

Author

Calvin N. Taylor

Date of Award

8-1983

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Sociology

Major Professor

Samuel E. Wallace

Committee Members

James Black

Abstract

This study examined the motives of juvenile firesetters, socio cultural dimensions, and the differences between low income firesetters and middle income firesetters.

The data was obtained from the Knox County Juvenile Court, sheet was prepared and completed by the author during the inspection There were fifty different arson cases which were A data of the case files. Analyzed.

The findings were that juveniles from all incomes are potential firesetters. In fact there was not a significant difference between low income and middle income juveniles in terms of the frequency of firesetting and the amount of damage caused by the fires.

It was also found that the most common motive for children firesetters (under twelve years of age) was curiosity due to inexperience with fire and an overall fascination with fire.

With regard to adolescent firesetters revenge and excitement are the two most frequent motives for firesetting.

Juveniles who set fire in their home have deeply rooted psychological problems. All four juveniles in the sample who were homebound firesetters received specialized psychological counseling as a result of their firesetting behavior.

In addition it was found that the psychological problems result from parents who mistreat the juvenile, parents who reject the child, and/or a missing parent who was hot available as a role model for the child.

Furthermore, it was found that solitary firesetters engage in arson for self-gratification and self-fulfillment, receives sexual satisfaction from the fire by engaging in masturbation while watching the fire.

As for the group firesetters, revenge and excitement are the most common motives for firesetting especially in relation with acts of vandalism. Revenge is always present because at the subliminal level the juveniles are striking back at society.

Finally, revenge is an always present motive for all firesetting behaviors, whether it is a primary motive, a secondary motive, or a subliminal motive.

The above findings indicated that there is a need for more study in the area of juvenile firesetting, particularly since it is difficult to obtain case histories on juveniles who come from wealthy families due to their ability to avoid Juvenile Court hearings by settling with the petitioner before the hearing.

Recommended Citation

Taylor, Calvin N., "Juvenile arson--the social consequences. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1983.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/14920