Public School Vandalism: Toward a Synthesis of Theories and Transition to Paradigm Analysis

• NCJ Number: 111156
• Journal: Adolescence Volume: 23 Issue: 89 Dated: (Spring 1988) Pages: 187-200
• Author(s): C Tygart
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Public school vandalism was investigated with a sample of students in 7th through 12th grade.

Abstract

Vandalism was found to be the highest in Grade 7 and decreased progressively with each increase in grade level. Being from classes in the lowest academic track was the strongest predictor of school vandalism. For high school students, having committed acts of vandalism during their junior high year was the second strongest correlate of vandalism. Other correlates of vandalism were: coming from higher status families and being absent less from school. Vandals were no more negative toward themselves, their classes, and school in general than were other students. Vandals and nonvandals were rather uncritical of vandalism. While this research has relevance for several theories, it is suggested that delinquency and deviancy research move toward paradigm analysis. (Publisher abstract)