Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Committee Chair
James J. Nolan, III.
Committee Co-Chair
Ronald Althouse
Committee Member
Patricia Rice
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of social bond and neutralization on juvenile drug usage. Part I of the Evaluation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program in the United States (1995-1999) was used for the data analysis. When controlling for other variables, the data revealed that juveniles who accept neutralization of stealing and juveniles who are involved with other delinquent peers are more likely to use illegal drugs. In addition, the data revealed that an adolescent's gender was significant in determining drug usage. The results generally support Hirschi's (1969) Social Bond Theory, and suggest that juveniles with a weakened bond to society are more likely to get involved with drugs. The results generally support Sykes and Matzas' (1957) Theory of Neutralization, and suggest that juveniles who accept neutralization are likely to get involved with drugs.
Recommended Citation
Shields, Adam, "The effects of social bond and neutralization on juvenile drug usage" (2006). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 835.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/835