NCJ Number
129398
Journal
International Journal of Intercultural Relations Volume: 14 Dated: (1990) Pages: 529-548
Date Published
1990
Length
21 pages
Annotation
Data deriving from the self-reported criminal activities of 43 Jewish and 57 Arab members of street corner gangs and 100 junior and senior high-school students representing each of the 2 ethnic groups in Israel were examined.
Abstract
Differences were found between the groups as regards type and levels of criminal activity. Street corner youth committed more crimes than did students, and Arab juveniles committed more crimes than did Jewish juveniles. Arab street corner youth committed more crimes than did members of the other groups. Significant differences between Jewish and Arab juveniles showed on six factors. Arab subjects had higher mean scores for stone throwing, stolen property, vandalism, and arson. Jewish subjects had higher mean scores for weapons and obstructing police. The frustration experienced by Arab youth as a consequence of the biases built into the social system may account for the somewhat higher delinquency rate among the Arab youngsters. The need for an eclectic theory is proposed to identify the variety of variables involved and to measure the extent of their influence. 1 table and 38 references (Author abstract modified)