Delinquency of Chinese-Canadian Youth: A Test of Opportunity, Control, and Intergeneration Conflict Theories

• NCJ Number: 168457
• Journal: Youth and Society Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 112-133
• Author(s): S K Wong
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This study examined the relationship between acculturation and delinquency in a sample of Chinese youth and adolescents in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Abstract

Related hypotheses derived from three theoretical perspectives -- opportunity, control, and intergenerational conflict theories -- were tested. The thesis of opportunity theory is that ethnic minorities who have strong ties to their ethnic culture and community have access to illegitimate and legitimate opportunities provided by both conventional and unconventional organizations within the ethnic community. The availability of illegitimate opportunities, in turn, increases the likelihood of involvement in crime and delinquency. In contrast to opportunity theory, control theory states that adherence to one's ethnic culture reduces delinquency, and acculturation to North American society increases delinquency. The intergenerational conflict perspective addresses adjustment problems such as cultural conflict, intergenerational conflict exacerbated by cultural conflict and adolescent identity crisis that minority and immigrant children face in a culture different from that of their parents. The study was based on a sample of 315 adolescents and youth of Chinese descent in Winnipeg. The study measured acculturation (adoption of the traits or patterns of the dominant cultural group); moral values, commitment to the family, and association with Chinese friends; parents' acculturation; and delinquency. Study findings show that adherence to Chinese culture reduced the likelihood of delinquency involvement; however, the effect was not explained by Chinese cultural norms and traditions. These findings are not congruent with opportunity and control theories. Nonetheless, it was found that acculturation caused delinquency involvement to increase for those whose parents were less acculturated. This suggests the presence of a widened generation gap that is exacerbated by acculturation. The findings thus provide considerable support for the intergenerational conflict theory. 4 tables, 9 notes, and 49 references