Research indicates that the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and delinquency is not as strong as suggested by the leading crime theories. This article argues that such theories do not predict that SES in and of itself causes delinquency but rather that the economic problems associated with SES cause delinquency. Such problems…

Reviews major theories of the adolescent crime rate peak; presents the integrated theory (which attempts to explain why most people in modern, industrialized societies increase their levels of offending during adolescence); and discusses the extent to which individual, group, and temporal factors influence the applicability of the theory.…

Examined the relative effects of interpersonal strain in male and female adolescent delinquency. Results from a sample of 3,595 students from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 show that, although interpersonal strain is an important correlate of some types of female delinquency, it is a more important correlate of male delinquency.…

Using data from a longitudinal study of adolescent boys, examines whether appearance (including dress and grooming) has an effect on school achievement, popularity with peers, self-concept, happiness, aspirations and expectations, honesty and kindness, and delinquent behavior. (GC)

Examines whether physical punishment and consistency of discipline interact in their effect on delinquency. Distinguishes between "intermittent discipline" and "inconsistent demands." Finds that if parental demands are consistent, physical punishment may reduce delinquency but cautions that these findings do not constitute a recommendation for the…