On the Distribution of Deviance (From Policy and Theory in Criminal Justice, P 10-27, 1990, Don M Gottfredson and Ronald V Clarke, eds. -- See NCJ-130506)

• NCJ Number: 130508
• Author(s): R V Clarke; D L Weisburd
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Avebury Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Data from the National Youth Survey were used to examine the distribution of deviance, to assess the Wilkins model and other models of the distribution of deviance, and to consider implications for social control.

Abstract

Wilkins assumed that the distribution of deviants in the population follows a normal, bell-shaped curve, whereas Allport proposed a J-shaped distribution. An analysis of the research in this area suggests that the J-curve applies to deviance measured in a highly specific situation, whereas the normal distribution fits the more general propensity to deviance across a variety of situations. Information on six specific deviant behaviors from the 1976 National Youth Survey showed much more conformity in behavior than the normal curve would predict. The results also call into question both liberal and conservative views of the crime problem. In contrast to the liberal position, the data suggest that social control is generally highly effective. Similarly, the data do not support the conservative position that incarcerating frequent offenders is the solution to the crime problem. Figures, tables, notes, and 24 references