Adolescent Violence, Social Control, and the Subculture of Delinquency

Abstract

This study examines whether violence, rather than being an isolated subculture in itself, is a part of a general subculture of delinquency. It also examines the relationship of variables adapted from social control theories to violent behavior and non-violent delinquency. Using Icelandic data, the study supports the notion that violence is a part of a general subculture of delinquency. It finds a strong relationship between violent behavior on one hand and illegal activities, alcohol use, and smoking on the other. Furthermore, it finds that violent behavior is positively related both to violent behavior and to nonviolent delinquency among friends. The findings also support the argument that social control affects violence in a similar way as other forms of delinquency. Factors drawn from social control are significantly related to violence, and correlation patterns are similar to that of non-violent delinquency.