Effect of Dropping Out of High School on Subsequent Criminal Behavior

• NCJ Number: 100383
• Journal: Criminology Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1985) Pages: 3-18
• Author(s): T P Thornberry; M Moore; R L Christenson
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Sociological theories of delinquency offer rather divergent predictions concerning the effect of dropping out of high school on subsequent delinquent and criminal behavior.

Abstract

For example, strain theory suggests that dropping out decreases such behavior, especially for lower class youth, while social control theory suggests that dropping out should increase the chances of criminal activity. Moreover, empirical studies provide support for each of these views with the most influential study (Elliott and Voss, 1974) presenting evidence consistent with a strain perspective. The present investigation identified methodological shortcomings in previous studies and reexamines the link between dropout status and subsequent criminal activity. Results indicate that dropping out of high school is positively associated with later crime, an outcome consistent with a control perspective. (Publisher abstract)