Social Bonds, Juvenile Delinquency, and Korean Adolescents

Abstract

Social bonds theory is one of the most influential and tested perspectives for explaining juvenile delinquency, yet tests have often been methodologically limited. Prior research has failed to examine how intra- and interindividual variation in social bonding influences delinquency. In addition, there are few applications of this theory to non-Western contexts. Thus, the current study attempts to test the cross-cultural generalizability of social bonds theory and overcome weaknesses of prior research. We use longitudinal panel analyses and five waves of data from the Korean Youth Panel Survey to examine the influence of nine measures of social bonding on delinquent behavior. By estimating different panel models, we find some support for social bonds as indicators of within- and between-individual variation in delinquency. Specifically, the emphasis on education in Korea and the role of parents in supervising their children play an integral role in reducing the delinquency of Korean youth.

Enforcing Information System Security

“…As a result, the present study used social bond theory to examine compliance with ISP (see Dong et al, 2021;Hwang & Um, 2021;Ifinedo, 2014Ifinedo, , 2018. Using this theory, Peterson et al (2016) found that attachment to parents (represented in parental supervision) and commitment (represented in a GPA increase) were the main factors in reducing juvenile delinquency. The factors of attachment, commitment, and personal belief are described in the following sections, while involvement is discussed separately under "Involvement Theory.…”

Arab Youth Involvement in Delinquent Behaviors: Exploring Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory from a Qualitative Perspective

“…Despite Peterson et al's [23] study, little is known about the association between parental attachment and delinquency in traditional societies in general and in Arab society in particular. The few studies that have explored the association between parental attachment and delinquency among Arab adolescents [24,25] found that attachment to parents had a significant impact on reducing delinquent behaviors.…”

“…According to the theory, a breakdown of attachment in the life of the child and/or lower levels of parental involvement may increase the likelihood of children's involvement in delinquency and antisocial behavior [22]. Peterson et al [23] explored the applicability of social bond theory to youth delinquency in South Korea. They found that delinquent behavior among Korean adolescents was found to be more constrained by particular social bonds, such as parental supervision.…”

Delinquent and Risk Behaviour among High School Students in a Canadian Prairie City: A Multivariate Analysis

“…Understanding these two types of problem behaviour requires the use of an integrated framework. The theories of self-control (also known as the general theory of crime), differential association (i.e., association with delinquent peers), and social bond (i.e., meaningful attachment and participation in convention 6 activities), which are among the most influential and empirically tested theoretical perspectives for the explanation of youth risk and delinquent behaviour (McCuddy, 2021;Meldrum et al, 2009;Peterson et al, 2016;Vera & Moon, 2013), are particularly useful. These theories point primarily to the vitality of familial (i.e., parents) and nonfamilial (i.e., peers) relationships in the prohibition or development of problem behaviour.…”

“…The basic postulate of the social bond theory is that attachment (i.e., affective ties to significant others such as family members and peers), commitment (i.e., investment in conventional activities such as the pursuit of educational goals), involvement (i.e., time and energy devoted to participation in conventional activities such as school or religious events), and belief (i.e., adherence to societal values and rules) are four vital elements that will prevent individuals from engaging in crime (Hirschi, 1969). There is considerable empirical evidence showing support for the social bond theory in explaining the onset and persistence of criminal pathways (Cernkovich & Giordano, 1992;Chan & Chiu, 2015;Chapple et al, 2005;Cusick et al, 2012;Felson & Staff, 2006;Hart & Mueller, 2013;Peterson et al, 2016;Liu & Kaplan, 1999;Sabatine et al, 2017).…”