Citation

Hartnagel TF. Can. Rev. Sociol. Anthropol. 1998; 35(4): 435-459.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, University of Toronto Press)

DOI

10.1111/j.1755-618X.1998.tb00731.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The transition from school to work represents an important phase in the life cycle of young adults. Labour-market problems, such as unemployment and job instability experienced during this transition may be a source of criminal behaviour, particularly among those who have certain attitudes and beliefs about the labour market. Social-control and strain theories are used to develop hypotheses regarding the interaction between labour-market experiences and attitudes leading to crime. An interaction between labour-market problems and the presence of delinquent friends is also tested in a multi-variate analysis that controls for prior delinquency. The data derive from a longitudinal panel study of Canadian youth from three cities who were followed for four years subsequent to their high school graduation. The results provide some support for strain theory arguments, as well as for the continued importance of delinquent friends for crime in this period of transition.