Social class, reported parental behavior and delinquency status.

Abstract

Earlier studies on the etiology of delinquents have been concerned with social delinquency (offenses committed with others) and solitary delinquency (offenses committed alone) as related to social class. Other studies have considered reported parental behavior as an influence on type of delinquency. The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of social class on reported parental behavior as a significant factor in social and solitary delinquency status. It was concluded, contrary to previous research, that social class cannot be considered a significant factor in differentiating social and solitary delinquents. Reported parental behavior of delinquents, as measured in this study, was also not highly related to social class. The findings do lend support to earlier research suggesting that solitary and social delinquents vary in etiology of their delinquency.