Effect of Formal and Informal Sanctions on Delinquency - A Longitudinal Comparison of Labeling and Deterrence Theories

• NCJ Number: 100609
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume: 75 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1984) Pages: 1222-1245
• Author(s): C W Thomas; D M Bishop
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Revision of a paper originally presented to the annual convention of the American Society of Criminology in Movember, 1983.

Annotation

Selected hypotheses derived from labeling and deterrence theories of juvenile delinquency were evaluated using data from a 2-wave panel design involving a random sample of 2,147 junior and senior high school students from 22 schools in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth, Va.

Abstract

Self-reported delinquent involvement during the previous year, self-perceived delinquent status, and perceived certainty of punishment were assessed at the beginning of the school year and again at the end of the school year. Experience of informal and formal sanctioning also was assessed at the second data collection point. Results provided little support for either theory. Data did show substantial changes in self-conception, delinquency involvement, and perceived risk over time: those with very high or very low scale scores tended to have more moderate scores at the end of the school year. However, contrary to prediction, sanctioning did not increase perceived risk of punishment, and delinquency involvement tended to diminish perceived risk, despite a positive relationship between involvement and sanctioning. Further, sanctioning did not contribute to increased delinquent self-labeling, although those with high levels of delinquent involvement tended to adjust their self-conceptions to match their behaviors. 32 footnotes.