NCJ Number
147286
Journal
Social Problems Volume: 12 Dated: (1964) Pages: 78-85
Date Published
1964
Length
8 pages
Annotation
In 1955, Short investigated the relationship between differential association and delinquency, based on data from both institutionalized and noninstitutionalized boys and girls; his study was replicated using data on differential association and reported delinquent behavior obtained by administering anonymous questionnaires in a group setting.
Abstract
Questionnaires were completed in the spring of 1959 by a 15.5 percent random sample of 7th grade students in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nominal and operational definitions of differential association were similar for both studies, with differential association defined as a process whereby individuals had differential access to delinquent norms through interaction with others. The major difference between Short's original study and the replication involved the research setting. Short's sample included both institutionalized and noninstitutionalized adolescents, while the replication involved public school students. Replication study findings supported differential association. Questions related to friends tended to have the highest associations with delinquency involvement. Specifically, boys who associated with delinquent friends engaged in more delinquent behavior than those whose contact with delinquent friends was minimal. Differential association was also significantly related to reported delinquent behavior among girls. 5 tables