The effects of social bond and neutralization on juvenile drug usage

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sociology and Anthropology

Year dc:date.available

2006

Author dc:creator

• Shields, Adam

Contributors dc:contributor

• James J. Nolan, III.
• Ronald Althouse
• Patricia Rice

• Criminology

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/835

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-1838