Low Self-control among South Korean Adolescents: A Test of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s Generality Hypothesis

• In Event: Causes of Crime and Deviance from a Comparative Perspective

Abstract

Theoretical propositions and related empirical tests of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory continue to permeate the criminological literature. Nevertheless, the vast majority of studies on the theory have been conducted in the west, particularly in North America and some European countries. Only a handful empirical works have been conducted in East Asia. In order to further test the generality assertion of Gottfredson and Hirsch, the current study examines low self-control’s efficacy in predicting the involvement of South Korean adolescents in typical delinquency, drinking, smoking, Internet addiction, and smartphone addiction. The presented findings largely support the generality hypothesis, although the theorists’ assertion seems to be somewhat overstated.

Authors

• Ilhong Yun, Chosun University

• Anthony Walsh, Boise State University