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Evaluating Structural and Control Models of Delinquency Causation - A Replication and Extension

NCJ Number
89987
Journal
Youth and Society Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: (June 1983) Pages: 437-456
Author(s)
J O Segrave; D N Hastad
Date Published
1983
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This analysis shows that an integrated theoretical conceptualization of delinquency, using structural and control models, produces a better understanding of delinquency involvement for both males and females.
Abstract
Cernkovich's theoretical model is predicated on a synthesis of structural and control theory variables. Structural theory posits that certain members of society, largely as a result of their relative class position, are forced to delinquent behavior to achieve the goals they are denied through legitimate channels. Control theory, on the other hand, is concerned less with delinquency-causing mechanisms than with factors that prevent deviance and maintains that adolescents develop a commitment to conformity through the establishment of social bonds to various aspects of conventional society. Cernkovich's integrated model assigned primary importance to value orientations in the etiology of delinquency. He posited that the rejection or lack of commitment to conventional standards, coupled with an adherence to subterranean values, is conducive to delinquent behavior. This model was tested using responses to anonymous self-report questionnaires administered to a sample of 907 male and 895 female students from eight high schools in a metropolitan area. The variables considered were socioeconomic status, perception of limited opportunities, value orientations, and delinquency involvement. Separate regressions analyses showed that both models were significantly predictive of delinquency, although the control model variables explained the greatest amount of variance in delinquency. Whereas Cernkovich's study involved only males, this study shows that the model has applicability to female delinquency, although perception of limited opportunities appears to play a more central role. Tabular data and 40 references are provided.

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