What term refers to a natural inclination or personal trait that remains constant throughout life?

The term "propensity" refers to a natural inclination or inherent tendency that an individual possesses consistently throughout their life. This concept is important in the context of juvenile delinquency as it relates to the predispositions or vulnerabilities that may influence a person's behavior. A propensity can be understood as a stable characteristic that guides how individuals are likely to respond to certain situations, which can be critical when analyzing patterns of behavior, including delinquent actions.

On the other hand, behavioral traits are more focused on specific actions or reactions that can vary over time and in different situations. Cultural norms pertain to accepted standards within a society or community, which can change and do not necessarily reflect the stable personal traits of individuals. The social contract is a philosophical concept relating to the agreements that bind individuals to societal laws and norms, rather than describing innate personal characteristics.