Social Regulation of Delinquent Behavior: Theory and Research (From Quarantieme anniversaire: Mardi 28 octobre 1986, P 203-238, 1986)

• NCJ Number: 141023
• Author(s): P Dickes; P Hausman
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 36 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: French
• Country: Belgium
• Note: Reprinted from Archives Belges de Medecine Sociale, Hygiene, Medecine du Travail et Medecine Legale, V 44 (1987), P 203-238

Annotation

The authors attempt to explain juvenile delinquency by finding a theory which supports their own empirical research.

Abstract

A random sample of 892 Belgian students aged 14 to 16 responded to a 30-item questionnaire that explored what delinquent behaviors they engaged in and what relations and interests they maintained at school and at home. In measuring student delinquency, the research discovered a broad continuum of delinquent activities ranging from relatively harmless pranks to criminal offenses. In their effort to reconcile research and theory, the authors examined the Social Control Theory by T. Hirschi (1969) as one possible way of explaining their findings. Hirschi described the way in which juveniles interact with their environment in terms of social ties, interests, the time and energy the juveniles invest in their interests, and the juveniles' beliefs. The results of the statistical analysis reveal that Hirsch's theory adequately explains the authors' empirical research. references