2007-06-08 21:38:01 · 4 answers · asked by geyamala 7 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
1) Young children can't comprehend the difference between right and wrong. They learn as they encounter situations. So they may know they're a "good" boy/girl if they use the "big potty", but they don't know the seriousness of theft.
2) Children don't understand the consequences of theft until they're much older (some adults still don't understand). Children see stores like Wal-Mart as mega businesses. They think stores make so much money it won't impact the business if the child takes something he/she cannot buy. As an adult, most people come to understand that theft hurts everyone by causing prices to raise due to higher mark ups to cover lost stolen merchandise and more security.
3) Children have less purchasing power than adults, but equivalent wants. They want just as much as adults but have a very little amount of money to buy anything with. Children sometimes have stronger wants because adults are providing all material needs for children (housing, clothes, food, etc) so to the child their wants are their needs. ("But Mom, I NEED the new Ciara CD!")
4) As the brain matures, the frontal cortex continues to develop into early adulthood. Only when this development is complete, has the person reached their full potential to make decisions based on their comprehension of the consequences. (One reason minors shouldn't be charged as adults in court)
So, immature brains, a lack of comprehension of consequences, lots of wants, little or no money, and low impulse control can lead to stealing in children and adults. These factors are common of most children, but (luckily) few adults.
2007-06-10 07:14:58 · answer #1 · answered by lizzyj 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
hmmm.. id answer this a bit freudian. so children see things they like in the world. since they still do not know which is right or wrong, they just do whatever they please (taking an object). something about the id - which is said to be dominant during the early years and stuff.
2007-06-09 16:32:11 · answer #2 · answered by ninjai 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
children show curiosity about everything
cant blame them. they are children...lol
2007-06-09 11:35:56 · answer #3 · answered by kenn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not complicated. They see something they want and take it even when they know it is wrong.
2007-06-13 19:38:12 · answer #4 · answered by TAT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋