Measurement in the Study of Class and Delinquency: Integrating Theory and Research

Abstract

Correlational studies of the relationship between social class and crime have tended to operationalize these concepts in a theoretical vacuum rather than developing measures that are consistent with major theories in criminology. This article explores the possibility that inadequate measurement may explain past findings indicating no relationship between class and delinquency. To do this we measure class and delinquency in two ways. The first is consistent with the prior empirical literature on this topic and includes measure of class based on a status attainment model and an omnibus measure of delinquency. The second way, more consistent with theories of delinquency, measures class using indicators of sustained underclass status and delinquency as repeated involvement in more serious street crimes. The findings support our hypotheses. Relationships are weak when status attainment measures of class and omnibus measures of delinquency are used. In contrast, the strongest and most consistent class-crime associations are found between measures of continuing underclass status and sustained involvement in street crimes.