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Social Bonding and Delinquency: A Comparative Analysis

NCJ Number
120767
Journal
Sociological Quarterly Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: (1989) Pages: 481-500
Author(s)
L Gardner; D J Shoemaker
Date Published
1989
Length
20 pages
Annotation
A multivariate analysis of social bonding theory of delinquency is presented which includes a comparison by rural-urban location.
Abstract
Findings indicate the bonding scales to be a stronger explanation of delinquency among rural youth, although lack of social bonding is also strongly implicated in delinquency committed by urban youth. Also, attachment to peers is positively associated with delinquency, while the conventionality of peers is inversely related to delinquent behavior. However, a strong racial influence on the connection between delinquency and the social bond was also observed. This racial influence appeared to operate independently of type of community, but a definitive conclusion could not be reached, given the characteristics of the sample and scale scores. 6 tables, 52 references. (Author abstract)