The Effect of Work on Antisocial Behavior among Formerly Incarcerated Young Adults: A Panel Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Although there is ample research on the association between employment and adults’ crime, few studies have focused on formerly incarcerated juveniles transitioning to emerging adults, especially studies using panel data. Using data from the Pathways to Desistance Study (N = 1,289) with a group of high-risk emerging adults (ages 18 to 24), this panel analysis addresses the effect of employment on antisocial behavior guided by Laub and Sampson’s social bond theory. The results show average weeks worked for the sample is below 26 weeks per year at each time point, indicating low levels of labor market participation. A fixed effects model using a structural equation modeling approach confirms that those with more work are significantly likely to decrease antisocial behavior. Consistent with previous studies, individuals with more substance use and gang involvement are positively associated with antisocial behavior. The article concludes with a discussion of the role of employment and emerging adults.