Why did Walter Reckless believe that there were "good boys in bad neighborhoods"?

Walter Reckless was a criminologist who developed the containment theory as part of his work in explaining deviant behavior. He believed that there were "good boys in bad neighborhoods" because he argued that all individuals have protective factors that can prevent them from succumbing to delinquency and criminal behaviors. His theory posited that despite external pressures from a criminogenic environment, such as a "bad neighborhood," certain individuals resist the temptation to engage in crime due to inner and outer containment.

Inner containment refers to an individual's self-control, sense of responsibility, and resistance to diversions that may lead to delinquency. This could include a strong self-image, goal orientation, and the ability to cope with frustration. Outer containment, on the other hand, consists of factors such as effective supervision, discipline, role models, and strong support from social institutions like family, school, and community organizations.

Reckless believed that when inner and outer containment are strong, even individuals who live in areas with high rates of crime (i.e., "bad neighborhoods") can maintain law-abiding behavior. Thus, the presence of "good boys in bad neighborhoods" is a testament to the strength of their containment measures which shield them from criminal influences.