Date of Graduation
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
Committee Chair
James J. Nolan
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between offense-specific neutralizations and delinquency. Analysis of data from the final wave of the Evaluation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Program in the United States (1995-1999) reveals that youth are likely to accept neutralizations for behaviors they have committed. For example, when controlling for other variables theoretically linked to delinquency, neutralization of lying was found to be significantly associated with lying, while neutralization of stealing was found to be significantly associated with stealing and neutralization of violence was found to be significantly associated with violent behavior. The results support generally support neutralization theory (Sykes and Matza 1957; Matza 1964) and suggest that delinquents are likely to accept offense-specific neutralizations rather than neutralizations pertaining to other types of deviant behavior.
Recommended Citation
Wharram, Jared, "Juvenile delinquency and the acceptance of offence-specific neutralizations." (2005). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 10921.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10921