Applying a General Strain Theory Framework to Understand School Weapon Carrying among LGBQ and Heterosexual Youth

• In Event: LGBTQ Students and School Safety

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ) youth are at a higher risk for school victimization, social isolation, and school weapon carrying compared to their heterosexual peers, yet few studies have investigated their experiences.  Using a General Strain Theory (GST) framework, data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) statewide probability sample of Delaware heterosexual (n=7,688) and LGBQ (n=484) youth in grades 9-12 show that factors associated with school weapon carrying differ for LGBQ and heterosexual youth. In particular, LGBQ youth are more likely to carry weapons to school as a direct response to being victimized at school while heterosexual youth are more likely to carry weapons when they feel socially isolated. We also find that parents are instrumental sources of social support for heterosexual youth while LGBQ youth are more influenced by relationships with other adults at school; however, social support does not moderate the impact that school victimization has on school weapon carrying as GST suggests. Overall, results reveal qualitatively different experiences for LGBQ and heterosexual youth that demonstrate the importance of centering historically marginalized groups within mainstream criminological literature and contribute to the purposeful incorporation of queer people into criminology. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• Deeanna M. Button, Stockton University

• Meredith Worthen, University of Oklahoma