Meaning of DELINQUENT DRIFT:
Associated with David Matza and Gresham Sykes, delinquent drift refers to the process by which the young justify and rationalise their delinquent acts. They are thus able to indulge in such acts without any remorse or regret. By defining laws as unjust and discriminatory or by thinking that the laws are not meant for them, young people distance themselves from the consequences of their delinquent acts. Some illustrations include notions like “police and officials are corrupt”, “destroying public property does not hurt any one” or that the victim deserved to be punished.” In this way, the link between the young offender and the victim or the norms which guide a person’s behaviour is weakened and is lost in a maze of justifications.