NCJ Number
154882
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (1995) Pages: 129-166
Date Published
1995
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This study extends the empirical support for social control theory to the post-school criminal behavior of school dropouts.
Abstract
Although social control theory has become one of the dominant theories of delinquency, this status is primarily based upon research conducted with adolescents in school. Dropouts are not subject to school-based social controls and may experience fewer work-based controls given their minimum labor market qualifications. Using qualitative data from interviews, this study examines the processes of social control in a sample of older adolescent and young adult school dropouts, with a focus upon potential gender differences. In contrast with the highly criminal dropouts, male and female noncriminal dropouts reported the absence of few social controls. The social control process was similar, although not identical, for male and female dropouts; however, weak social controls alone do not appear sufficient to account for their criminal behavior. Free time, boredom, and interaction with deviant peers provide additional opportunities and inducements for criminal behavior. 1 table, 6 notes, and 53 references