Delinquency of Chinese-Canadian Youth

Abstract

Research shows that youth of Chinese descent in North America have a lower prevalence of delinquency than the average Canadian or American youth, probably due to the positive influence of Chinese culture. In this study, the relationship between acculturation and delinquency was examined based on a sample of Chinese youth and adolescents in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Related hypotheses derived from three theoretical perspectives—opportunity, control, and intergeneration conflict theories—were tested. The results showed that adherence to Chinese culture reduced the likelihood of delinquency involvement. However, the effect was not explained by Chinese cultural norms and traditions. These findings are not congruent with opportunity and control theories. Nonetheless, it was found that acculturation caused delinquency involvement to increase for those whose parents were less acculturated, suggesting the presence of a widened generation gap exacerbated by acculturation. To that extent, the findings lend considerable support to intergeneration conflict theory.