Full Citation

Title: The Effects of Marriage and Parenthoos on Offending Levels Over Time Among Juvenile Offenders Across Race and Ethnicity

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2015

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Abstract: In criminal careers research, reasons why offenders stop offending are of importance. This study tests Sampson and Laubs age-graded theory of informal social control using a nationally representative contemporaneous sample and explores two possible turning points in the life course of individuals that could lead to desistance: marriage and parenthood. Racial and ethnic differences in the impact of these social bonds are also analyzed. In mixed support of the theory, marriage is found to lead to changes in levels of offending among whites and Hispanics but not blacks. Parenthood leads to decreases in offending among whites but not blacks or Hispanics. These results suggest possible modifications are needed to Sampson and Laubs theory. A discussion of these findings is presented.

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Authors: Craig, Jessica M.

Periodical (Full): Journal of Crime and Justice

Issue: 2

Volume: 38

Pages: 163-183

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Crime and Deviance, Family and Marriage, Race and Ethnicity

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