NCJ Number
183215
Journal
Criminology Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 589-632
Date Published
May 2000
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This study examines the empirical relationship, if any, between social class and adult criminality.
Abstract
The study analyzed self-report data from a general population of adult residents in a large midwestern city to assess the effects of a wide range of class measures on crime measures. Data from a sample of 555 adults demonstrated that, regardless of how class or crime were measured, social class exerted little direct influence on adult criminality in the general population. However, some gradational measures, particularly income variables, did negatively influence general crime. Consistent with research findings from non-self-report studies, social class was related to criminal involvement for nonwhites. It can be argued that minority status carries a certain level of disadvantage within American society. The interaction of lower social class position with an additional disadvantaged status may form a causal nexus that is conducive to criminal behavior. Personal income had a significant effect on male crime but not on female crime. Finally, class effects were found for the measure of violent crime. Notes, tables, references, appendix