Delinquent Youth in a Transforming China: A Generation of Strain

• In Event: Roundtable: Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract

This ongoing book project focuses on two major social problems facing Chinese society today: the increased strain in youths’ lives and a heightened rate of crime and delinquency as a result of the dramatic social changes over the past three decades. Although most likely committed by an individual, delinquency is clearly a manifestation of rampant social problems during China’s rapid historical transition. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and Agnew’s general strain theory, the book examines factors and processes in youths’ various ecological contexts that lead to life strain and delinquency. More specifically, it explores stressful social events and conditions as sources of criminogenic strain at the societal level, and their impact on youth’s immediate life circumstances. It also examines how strain in youth’s lives increase the likelihood of a delinquent response through heighten negative emotions and weakening legitimate coping resources. The argument in the book is based on scholarly work and supported by empirical evidence including the author’s own research findings. The book would not only shed light on the nature of youth crime in contemporary China, but also help the society develop tactics and methods to reduce strain in youths' lives, and thus effectively prevent delinquency in China.

Author

• Wan-Ning Bao, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis