Social Control Theory Versus Differential Association: A Test on Panel Data (From Juvenile Delinquency in the Netherlands, P 77-103, 1988, Josine Junger-Tas and Richard L Block, eds. -- See NCJ-114384)

• NCJ Number: 114388
• Author(s): M Junger
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 26 pages
• Sale Source: Kugler Publications
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

Models derived from social control and differential association theories were tested using data for 332 Dutch juveniles initially interviewed in 1981 and again in 1983.

Abstract

Both theories implicate similar variables in delinquency but in different causal orders: Delinquent behavior is learned through association with delinquent peers, or association with delinquent peers results from weakened social controls. Results indicate that social control variables in the areas of family, school, and leisure activities were directly or indirectly related to delinquency, both within the same year and over time. Attachment to peers did not relate differentialy to other social control variables. Both peer attachment and beliefs correlated positively with other control variables and negatively with delinquency. Peer delinquency was directly related to delinquent behavior, and the relationship was not mediated by beliefs. Delinquency of peers appears to be a result, as well as a cause, of delinquent behavior. The role of social control variables appears to change over time, with the role of these variable being less important in 1981 than in 1983. In 1983, the role of family integration became indirect, the influence of leisure activity and peer attachment disappeared, and the role of beliefs dropped substantially. Only school integration remained a relatively strong predictor of peer delinquency and delinquent behavior. A picture emerges of a spiral process in which low integration leads to higher delinquency levels, which, in turn, leads to lower integration. 7 figures, 1 table, and 36 references.