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SAGE Journal User Guide

Journal Article Questions

1. What effect do families have on criminal behavior?
2. Do people seek to neutralize their everyday behaviors? Do neutralizations apply to more than crime?
3. Do social bonds keep individuals from committing crime?  Could some bonds lead people to crime?
4. Do after school activities keep juveniles from delinquency?
5. What effect do the media have on crime and criminal justice?

Social Capital, Social Control, and Changes in Victimization Rates Hawdon, J., Ryan, J. Crime & Delinquency, Oct 2009; vol. 55: pp. 526 – 549

Abstract

A neighborhood-level model of crime that connects the central dimensions of social capital with specific forms of social control is developed. The proposed model is tested using a structural equation model that predicts changes in empirical Bayes log odds of neighborhood victimization rates between 2000 and 2001 in 41 neighborhoods in South Carolina. Results support the integrated model and illustrate the importance of including direct measures of social control in neighborhood models of crime. Although the dimensions of social capital are related to private, parochial, and public controls, the relationships among these concepts are not consistent. Instead, the relationships vary in strength and direction.

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An Examination of Differential Association and Social Control Theory: Family Systems and Delinquency Church, II, W.T., Wharton, T., Taylor, J.K. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, Jan 2009; vol. 7: pp. 3 - 15.

Abstract

This study applies differential association and social control theories to juvenile delinquency. Using a path analysis model, relationships between family, self-image, and behavior are explored. Analyses suggest that positive self-image leads to decreased delinquency, and association with delinquent peers is the greatest predictor of delinquent behavior, regardless of race.

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The Relationship Between Neutralizations and Perceived Delinquent Labeling on Criminal History in Young Offenders Serving Community Orders Cechaviciute, I., Kenny, D.T. Criminal Justice and Behavior, Jun 2007; vol. 34: pp. 816 - 829.

Abstract

This study examined the associations between young offenders' justifications for delinquent behavior, their perceptions of being labeled "delinquent," and criminal history. Young offenders (N = 153) serving community orders completed a questionnaire that assessed their use of justifications for offending (neutralizations) and their perceptions of being delinquent. More than half did not believe that others labeled them as delinquent. Those who did believe so self-reported more delinquency and other problem behaviors but did not a have more serious official criminal history than "unlabeled" offenders. Factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure (minimization and rationalization) for the neutralization items. Neutralization factors were weak predictors of official criminal history but were stronger predictors of self-reported delinquency and other problem behaviors. Findings are discussed with reference to the implications for risk and responsivity principles in the treatment of young offenders.