Racial Differences in Offending and Substance Use Trajectories

• In Event: Developmental Perspectives on the Relationship Between Substance Use and Offending

Abstract

In this study (NIH #1R15DA032875-01), the investigators examine how exposure to the criminal justice system influences substance use during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. We adopt a life course perspective and posit that there is no single pattern of substance use or justice system involvement. A trajectories approach emphasizes that behaviors change over time (e.g., increase, decrease, fluctuate), and contends that the course of these behaviors is determined by changes in the individual and their social circumstances. The analyses to be presented in this paper address the lack of empirical tests of racial differences in offending trajectories over the life course (Piquero, 2008). There is reason to expect that life course trajectories would differ along racial lines (e.g., Massey & Denton, 1993; Pattillo-McCoy, 1999). Analyzing 13 waves of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY97), the investigators found racial differences in reason for conviction (e.g., violence vs. drugs) and substance use. Specifically, Caucasians were more likely to be convicted for a crime of violence; and African Americans were more likely to be convicted for a drug offense. Racial and gender differences were also found in trajectories of substance use (e.g., binge drinking, marijuana use, tobacco use).

Author

• Connie Hassett-Walker, Kean University