Social Class, Family Formation, and Delinquency in Early Adulthood

Abstract

Recent research suggests increasing heterogeneity in the transition from adolescence to early adulthood. This study considers how this heterogeneity may influence delinquency between these two developmental periods. We focus on the role of family transitions, educational attainment, and employment in predicting risk of nonviolent delinquency and substance use, as well as disparities in transitions across socioeconomic status subgroups. Data are from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). We find that family and neighborhood advantage are negatively associated with transitions into marriage, cohabitation, and parenthood, yet positively associated with educational attainment. In addition, adolescent family and neighborhood advantage are associated with a continuation of delinquent behavior and substance use during early adulthood. In multivariate analyses, accounting for family transitions in early adulthood largely attenuates the relationship between neighborhood advantage in adolescence and delinquency in early adulthood. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for developmental criminology.

High-Risk Behavior: Who's Engaging in It?

“…"Low parental involvement, weak family cohesion, and poor parent-child communication increase risk for delinquency." This emphasizes and agrees with Kuhl et al (2016) that a weak familial structure, such as a disconnect between a parent and child, can lead to delinquent behavior in adolescence and potentially carry over to high-risk behavior in adulthood. Booth, Farrell and Varano (2008: 440) explain delinquency can transition from youth to adulthood.…”

“…Booth, Farrell and Varano (2008: 440) explain delinquency can transition from youth to adulthood. In contrast to Kuhl et al (2016) and Aiyer et al (2013), their study found: "parental attachment was not a significant predictor of risky behavior." Despite the fact that this study found an insignificant relationship, you can see that findings can vary based on samples.…”

“…(Kuhl 2016 andBalsa 2014). Some literature implies that this behavior is considered a coping mechanism for stress induced by education or work.…”

“…People who are educated are typically employed and have a higher SES compared to others, which means they probably have a larger network of people, which opens the door for more socializing, and because they are more likely to be employed and have an income, they can afford to go to a bar or tavern. (Kuhl 2016).…”

“…Delinquency is not normative in adulthood, but given the changes in likelihood and timing of different types of family formation for adults today, and the heterogeneity of positive role transitions by social class and neighborhood context, we may continue to see prolonged delinquent activities for select groups of emerging adults (Kuhl et al, 2016: 360).…”