Psychological Foundations of Criminality in Boys (Archivos de Criminología, Argentina, 1902-1914)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze: a) the production of knowledge in Psychology related to the bonds between child and juvenile delinquency in boys and the field of work and education; b) the different classifications that served as a model for expert intervention on these children; and c) the relationship between the concept of abnormality and crime, taking into account the different institutions proposed for the rehabilitation of criminal childhood. From a perspective of the critical history of Psychology, it is pointed out the ways of classifying childhood, as well as the more specific conceptions of masculinity in children, considering their relationship with a particular social order. It is possible to highlight the ways in which an attempt was made to establish a specific behavior model for boys and the delimitation of abnormalities, resulting in a naturalization of the foundations of their behavior. These parameters were related to a rational conception of the society that had to identify the disturbances and correct them, based on the expert knowledge of the intellectuals and leaders of Argentina.