Offending Propensity versus Offending Frequency: The Differential Effects of Normative Peer Influence and Unstructured Socializing

• In Event: The Social Networks of Gangs

Abstract

Normative influence and unstructured socializing have been presented as competing explanations of the peer-delinquency relationship. We argue that these mechanisms may have larger impacts on different aspects of an individual’s behavioral profile. Specifically, normative influence perspectives are primarily concerned with whether the differential exposure to delinquent friends can explain the dichotomous offender/non-offender distinction (i.e., one’s willingness to deviate). Meanwhile, opportunity perspectives (e.g. Osgood et al., 1996) are better able to explain the frequency or rate at which individuals engage in crime. This study uses selection models to disentangle one’s willingness to offend from one’s frequency of offending and to determine if separate peer mechanisms differentially explain unique aspects of offending behavior. Further, we consider the implications of our findings for understanding within-individual differences in offending throughout adolescence.

Authors

• Timothy McCuddy, University of Missouri - St. Louis

• Kyle Thomas, University of Missouri - St. Louis