NCJ Number
185105
Journal
Criminology Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2000 Pages: 863-896
Date Published
August 2000
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This article explores the determinants of youths' occupational delinquency.
Abstract
In a sample of high school seniors, work-related delinquency was affected by both underlying criminal propensities and contact with delinquent coworkers on the job. Delinquent youths were selected into negative work environments in which they came into contact with fellow delinquents--an interaction effect that amplified their occupational delinquency. Associating with delinquent coworkers appeared to affect misbehavior not only within, but also outside the workplace. Neither a negative work environment nor employment where positive job skills were acquired fostered or reduced misconduct. The article calls attention to the impact of "materialistic attitudes" in increasing occupational delinquency. Such attitudes may reflect the desire for money and for consumption, elements of or proxy for low self-control. Alternatively, they may reflect the "penetration" of United States adolescents by the dominance of economic institutions and the encouragement of the "fetishism of money." Notes, tables, figure, references, appendixes