Eastern Kentucky University
Social Disorganization and Gun Access and Use: Correlates, Causes, and Consequences among Incarcerated Juveniles
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
David May
Abstract
Previous research has revealed a strong relationship between residence in a socially disorganized neighborhood and delinquency among adolescents. In this paper, I extend this research by using data collected via a self-report survey from 828 incarcerated juveniles in the state of Indiana. Preliminary results suggest that adolescents who reside in socially disorganized neighborhoods are more likely to be involved in illegal behaviors than their counterparts who do not. Further, these results suggest that a number of factors interact with the socially disorganized nature of the neighborhood to cause both easy gun access and gun use, including socioeconomic status and race. The implications for policy and future research are also discussed.
Social Disorganization and Gun Access and Use: Correlates, Causes, and Consequences among Incarcerated Juveniles
Previous research has revealed a strong relationship between residence in a socially disorganized neighborhood and delinquency among adolescents. In this paper, I extend this research by using data collected via a self-report survey from 828 incarcerated juveniles in the state of Indiana. Preliminary results suggest that adolescents who reside in socially disorganized neighborhoods are more likely to be involved in illegal behaviors than their counterparts who do not. Further, these results suggest that a number of factors interact with the socially disorganized nature of the neighborhood to cause both easy gun access and gun use, including socioeconomic status and race. The implications for policy and future research are also discussed.