Differential Disadvantage: Examining Variation in Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Youth Behavior

• In Event: Less Often Studied for Delinquency: Intelligence, Differential Disadvantage, Social Distance, and Conformists

Abstract

Social science research tends to consider socioeconomic disadvantage as a singular entity. However, data suggest that it contains much variation. While factors such as neighborhood characteristics, social disorganization, family structure, household income, exposure to violence, and victimization may cumulatively result in socioeconomic disadvantage, it is important to understand that these factors vary in severity, ergo socioeconomic disadvantage should as well. Nevertheless, research presently fails to acknowledge potential variation in socioeconomic disadvantage. Therefore studies regarding the impact of socioeconomic disadvantage on youth behavior also fail to take this into account. Using data from the Youth Outcomes Survey, a longitudinal study following at-risk youth in Atlanta, Georgia, the primary purpose of this study is to analyze common factors of socioeconomic disadvantage to determine the impact of varying degrees of socioeconomic disadvantage on youth behavior. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.

Author

• Tricia Johnston, Georgia State University