Impact of Race and Youth Cohort Size: An Analysis of Juvenile Drug Possession Arrest Rates

• NCJ Number: 232643
• Journal: Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 40 Issue: 3 Dated: Spring 2010 Pages: 653-680
• Author(s): Chang-Bae Lee; Jennifer L. Schulenberg
• Date Published: 2010
• Length: 28 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the relationship between the African-American youth cohort size and juvenile drug possession arrest rates.

Abstract

Statistics indicate that African-Americans are overrepresented in the juvenile drug-related arrest rates. Based on Easterlin's (1978) youth cohort size theory, this study examines whether there is a positive relationship between the African-American youth cohort size and juvenile drug possession arrest rates controlling for the influence of social disorganization. Using cluster regression analyzing city-level juvenile arrest rates (N = 525), the current study found that the African-American youth cohort size had a negative relationship with juvenile arrest rates for drug possession, and social disorganization theory provided only a partial explanation. Findings are discussed in the context of theoretical and practical implications and areas for future research. Tables, notes, and references (Published Abstract)