NCJ Number
200776
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2002 Pages: 467-490
Date Published
2002
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the relationship among family structure, drug using peers, and forms of deviant behavior.
Abstract
In order to associate potential juvenile delinquency with the postmodern dissolution of the traditional nuclear family, the authors administered a survey of 3,386 school aged youths living in 5 European cities in Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands. The authors assessed the family backgrounds of these youths classifying the families as broken homes, intact families, single mother households, dual career households, or model families. After discussing the drug-using peer group, in conjunction with family make-up, as a way in which future juvenile delinquency may be examined and tested, the authors present the results of their survey. They found low, significant correlations between the type of family model and five forms of deviant behavior including tobacco smoking, cannabis use, delinquency, general drug use, and a composite risk behavior scale. The authors also found that there were differences in drug use, deviance, and risk taking behavior, as they are related to family structure, when one compares the youths across the different cities. The authors suggest that this difference is associated with cultural meanings involving family, gender roles, peer group relationships, and risk behavior. Tables, notes, references