Criminological Theories Through an International Lens: Bridging Macro-Level Factors with Individual-Level Processes

• In Event: Globalizing Criminology: Culture, Context, and Cross-National Inquiry

Abstract

Theoretically informed research has identified key factors that explain variation in criminal and delinquent involvement. Specifically, social learning, social bond, self-control, and strain theories have set forth empirically validated explanations of the etiology of crime and delinquency. Despite ongoing theoretical debates, the literature is somewhat clear in that factors such as delinquent peers, parental and school attachment, self-control, and adverse childhood experiences, among others, are robust predictors of delinquent involvement and matter through adulthood. However, the cross-national universality of these factors is assumed but remains largely untested, and the extent to which country-level differences might moderate the effects of these factors on delinquency has not been consistently explored.

Using data from the Third International Self-Reported Study (ISRD-3) of over 86,000 adolescents from 35 countries across the world, we examine whether key constructs in criminology consistently explain variation in delinquent involvement. Further, we add country-level information on constructs related to standard of living, (in)equality, and institutional support, to explore the macro-level conditions that mitigate or amplify the salience of these factors. Our findings have important theoretical implications, as they go beyond examining the cross-national generalizability of well-established theoretical understandings of crime to identify the conditions in which certain explanations gain relevance.

Authors

• Cecilia Chouhy, Florida State University

• Peter Lehmann, Sam Houston State University