Social Change, Life Strain, and Delinquency among Chinese Urban Adolescents

Abstract

Using Agnew's general strain theory (1992, 2006) as a theoretical framework, this study examines how China's ongoing social transformation has affected its youth, particularly in urban areas, and how general strain theory can be fruitfully applied to account for the country's rising rate of juvenile delinquency In particular, we analyze how the sources of strain, at both societal and individual levels, have led to a higher level of interpersonal strain, heightened negative emotions, and limited legitimate coping resources among Chinese urban adolescents, which, in turn, increase the likelihood of a delinquent response.