NCJ Number
139062
Date Published
1992
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of a survey of the crime patterns and social background of "hard core" delinquents in the Netherlands, i.e., those who commit multiple petty and serious offenses.
Abstract
Randomly selected juvenile delinquents from three medium-sized Dutch cities were divided into two groups on the basis of proportion and seriousness of the crimes committed: juveniles committing minor offenses and a hard core group that consisted of 11 percent of the survey sample. Both groups were distinct in several ways: the followers' group displayed aggression in the form of intentional or unintentional brawls; and the hard core group revealed behavior of a more calculating nature. The hard core juveniles had a significantly weaker relationship with parents and tutors and a stronger relationship with peers. Their acceptance of conventional social values was much weaker, and the hard core group regarded certain criminal acts to be legitimate. The hard core group distinguished itself by committing serious offenses in which the criminal behavior was both instrumental, i.e., it served the clear purpose of financial gain, and structural, i.e., it was a part of the life pattern of the juvenile. 2 figures, 9 tables, and 70 references