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The Effects of Adolescent Activities on Delinquency: A Differential Involvement Approach

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Abstract

T. Hirschi’s (1969, Causes of Delinquency. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA) control theory proposes that involvement, as an element of the social bond, should reduce delinquency. But, research studies have found that the effect of involvement is rather weak. This study reformulates Hirschi’s involvement hypothesis by posing involvement as a social setting variable and a differential factor. Certain activities provide a social setting favorable to the development of the social bond and the reduction in delinquent association. The reformulated hypothesis is examined based on a sample of Grade 7–12 students in a Western Canadian city. The results reveal that school- and family-related activities strengthen the social bond and reduce delinquent association and delinquency. In contrast, other conventional activities such as spending time with friends and dating have the opposite effects. In addition, the indirect effect of differential involvement on delinquency through the social bond and delinquent association is stronger than its direct effect. Thus, the undesirable effects of the less-positive activities on delinquency may be buffered or reduced by strengthening the social bond and reducing delinquent association.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, R7A 6A9

    Siu Kwong Wong (Associate Professor)

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  1. Siu Kwong Wong
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Correspondence to Siu Kwong Wong.

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Siu Kwong Wong is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Brandon University. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from Washington State University. His major research interests are in the study of delinquency and social disorganization.

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Wong, S.K. The Effects of Adolescent Activities on Delinquency: A Differential Involvement Approach. J Youth Adolescence 34, 321–333 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-005-5755-4

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