NCJ Number
245265
Journal
International Journal of Criminology and Sociology Volume: 2 Dated: 2013 Pages: 492-506
Date Published
2013
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Using data from a nationally representative sample of high school seniors, this study examines how adolescents' occupational aspirations may affect their patterns of substance use.
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that rates of substance use during the adolescent years are associated with school performance and teenage employment. Comparatively few studies have examined the linkages between adolescents' occupational aspirations and their rates of alcohol and drug use. Using data from a nationally representative sample of high school seniors, this study examines how adolescents' occupational aspirations may affect their patterns of substance use. Utilizing a framework of social control theory and precocious development theory, the analyses reveal that a strong association exists between the occupational aspirations and substance use rates of adolescents. Teenagers with higher aspirations report relatively lower rates of substance use. On the other hand, adolescents who aspire for occupations which involve manual labor report higher rates of substance use. Impediments to reaching desired occupations were also shown to be important, as teens who perceived that they may not reach their aspired occupation (due to financial problems, inadequate education, discrimination, etc.) were shown to be more likely to drink alcohol and use drugs. Substantial differences in these effects were shown to exist across both sex and race/ethnicity categories. Overall, the results suggest that the effects of occupational aspirations on adolescent substance use are quite intricate. (Published Abstract)