Patterns of Delinquent Behavior (From Delinquency and Juvenile Control: A Sociological Perspective, P 21-58, 1989, William B. Waegel -- See NCJ-116652)

• NCJ Number: 116654
• Author(s): W B Waegel
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 38 pages
• Sale Source: Prentice Hall
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines empirical patterns of delinquency, from general to specific issues.

Abstract

Issues and problems in measuring delinquency are presented. For example, undetected and unreported offenses create a gap between officially recorded and actual delinquency, but distortions and biases are also present. Methods used to measure the amount of delinquency against persons and against property are examined, and various surveys utilizing self-report data are presented. Changes in juvenile arrest rates over time are analyzed show higher arrest rates for juveniles during the 1970s, and stabilization and decline during the 1980s. Peer group pressure and social characteristics, including family structure, gender, minority status, and place of residence, are examined for their impact on crime. Results indicate that those at the nondelinquent end of the spectrum are female, live in rural areas, and come from a high social class, while those at the delinquent end are male, and from urban, lower-class backgrounds. 13 tables, references.