NCJ Number
70334
Journal
Youth and Society Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1978) Pages: 299-313
Date Published
1978
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Data from questionnaires completed by over 1,200 Illinois youth in 1972 were analyzed to investigate family influences on delinquent behavior in relation to types of crime and the social environment.
Abstract
This study views delinquent behavior as a product of peer group influence, family influence, social class position, and pressures emanating from the external community. The sample was drawn from the Chicago Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area portion of a statewide survey of youth and represents every type of neighborhood setting in the area. Questionnaires were completed by males and females between 14-and 18-years old and covered a variety of topics concerning adolescent life, including family relationships, peer activities, and participation in illegal or quasi-illegal activities. Independent variables considered in the analysis were family socioeconomic status, community poverty, family integration, and association with delinquent peers. Dependent variables consisted of six types of deviant behavior: violent acts, criminal delinquency, automobile offenses, property offenses, use of illicit drugs, and status violations. The study found that family integration and peer pressures did not have a significant impact on violent behavior, but strongly influenced adolescent involvement with drugs and status offenses. Aggressive, serious delinquency was more responsive to economic deprivation and a hostile social environment. Thus. family disruptions play a more significant role in delinquency in affluent social settings rather than in deteriorated neighborhoods. Explanations of youthful rebelliousness which focus on personal relationships may only be relevant to an environment where survival and security needs have been met. Tables, notes and approximately 18 references are provided.