NCJ Number
69648
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1980) Pages: 288-297
Date Published
1980
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The transition process from school to employment and its impact on juvenile delinquency are studied in a random sample of 825 Canadian high school students.
Abstract
The male and female sample population in Montreal responded to the questionnaire for the first time in 1974, when they averaged 12 to 18 years of age. They were asked the same questions concerning their families, school environment, hobbies, friends, and unreported delinquency in 1976. Within the 2 years, 12 percent of the male students and 18.5 percent of the female students had dropped out of school and had started work or were looking for work. In the second stage of the study, the 142 drop-outs were compared to a matching group of 142 students who had not dropped out by 1976. A statistical analysis of the change in delinquent activities in the two groups indicates that, while the groups had comparable rates in 1974, the drop-outs now showed a strong decrease in delinquent acts in comparison to the student group. Furthermore, the drop-outs who had found employment showed a far greater reduction in delinquency than the unemployed drop-outs. These findings indicate that the abandonment of school frustrations and the beginning of working life are significant factors in reducing juvenile delinquency. The study includes statistical tables and 16 notes. --in French.