NCJ Number
159111
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 8-9 Dated: special issue (1995) Pages: 23-36
Date Published
1995
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This survey of delinquency in East and West Germany included approximately 6,000 freshmen and showed that total measured delinquency between the two geographic areas was roughly equal.
Abstract
The average age of West German males was 21.8 years and the average age of females was 21.1 years. The average age of East Germans was younger, 21.4 for males and 19.3 years for females. The difference in age was due to secondary education being 1 year shorter in the East and declining compliance with the military service obligation during the time of political change. The most surprising survey finding was that total measured delinquency in East and West Germany was equal. In both East and West, males were comparably dominant in their amount of delinquent behavior, both in frequency and severity. The survey showed that socialist theories of criminality were not convincing and that socialization and anomie theories had greater explanatory force. To the extent formal social control by the state lost its effectiveness during the time of political change and economic assimilation, opportunities to attempt and carry out crime grew and inhibitions against delinquency decreased. The survey only marginally examined sexuality and victim experiences but did explore attitudes toward the criminal justice system and delinquent behavior. Findings revealed attitudes reflecting different levels of socialization and values in East and West Germany. 18 references and 9 tables