NCJ Number
70783
Date Published
1978
Length
150 pages
Annotation
This thesis argues for the inclusion of delinquent peer associations in Hirschi's model of delinquent behavior and for the differentiation of variables affecting male and female delinquency.
Abstract
The Hirschi social control model asserts that delinquent acts result when an individual's bond to society is weak or broken. The family and peers are considered the most important of the various units of social control: to the extent that people are social beings, they are sensitive to the expectations and norms of others. The model argues that association with delinquent others is a consequence, rather than a cause, of delinquent involvement. An uncontrolled, natural motivation towards delinquency can result in delinquent behaviork and such socially unattached individuals may come together in groups or gangs. Drawing mainly from Sutherland's theory of differential association, this thesis argues that attachment to delinquent peers needs to be considered along with attachment to family and conventional peers in a more complete mapping of a person's meaningful associations. Furthermore, delinquent behavior among boys and girls is considered to be related to differing sociological variables: delinquent peer attachment, commitment to education, and dating behavior are considered to have more of an impact in predicting male involvement, while attachment to parents has an impact on both males and females. Individual chapters focus on a reformulation of social control theory, male versus female delinquency, the social distribution of delinquent involvement, and zero-order relationships within the revised mode. Related literature is reviewed. Interaction diagrams and tables, and approximately 60 references are included.