An aesthetic theory of vandalism is proposed, which posits that variables accounting for the enjoyment associated with socially acceptable aesthetic experiences are similarly responsible for the pleasure associated with acts of destruction. Several studies provide support for hypotheses derived from the aesthetic theory of vandalism. (Author)

Proposes that the state of enjoyment occurs when a person is challenged at a level matched to his level of skills. Disruption of classes, vandalism, and violence in schools are, in part, attempts by adolescents to obtain enjoyment in otherwise lifeless schools. (Author)

The paper describes a study of deviant behavior among students attending a high school in Texas. All students in the study attended a sociology class taught by a very strict teacher whose rules of behavior conflicted with students' peer group behavior expectations. Participant observation of student behavior in class and interviews with individual…