NCJ Number
167289
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 43 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1997) Pages: 203-221
Date Published
1997
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Based on a national sample of 1,775 youths, this study explored the relationship of labor market participation on delinquency.
Abstract
The data set for the study was the 1988 National Survey of Families and Household, a cross-sectional, multistage area probability sample of 13,079 individuals within 9,643 households. The study used an analytic subsample of "focal children." Within each family, a randomly chosen focal child was selected by the interview staff. The parents were asked more detailed questions about this child than about other children in the family. The age range of youths eligible for inclusion in the analytic sample was restricted to ages 12 to 18 years. This age range covers the time during which adolescents begin consistent paid employment while they attend school. The sample was restricted to youths enrolled in school. To measure delinquency, parents were asked whether they were aware of a number of potential problem behaviors that their child may have displayed. Using the ordinary least squares regression analysis, delinquency was regressed on work intensity, controlling for a range of variables. When the data were analyzed by gender, work intensity significantly increased male delinquency, but was not significantly related to female delinquency. Notably, the significant effects of work intensity were confined to high-risk males. For this group, number of hours worked increased delinquency. This occurred by reducing school commitment, which in turn fostered misconduct. Another factor influenced by work intensity was the weakening of bonds to the family. It may be that for many youths at risk, the key choice is not between work and crime but rather between short-term economic gain and long-term investment in schooling and the human capital it potentially supplies. The study suggests that for high-risk males, entry into the labor market while of school age is potentially harmful and, unless done carefully, should not be encouraged. 2 tables, 1 figure, 3 notes, and 72 references