Correlates of Delinquent Identity: Testing Interactionist, Labeling, and Control Theory

David Brownfield

University of Toronto - Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Kevin Thompson

North Dakota State University - Fargo, North Dakota, USA

Abstract:

In this paper, we analyze factors which may affect individual identity, a concept that is incorporated in many criminological theories, including symbolic interactionist theory, labeling theory, and control theory. Besides measures of self-control, we assess the effects of "reflected appraisals" on individual identity. The effects of labeling or having a record of police contact on self-concept or identity are also examined. We test for interaction effects of social class and race with official delinquency on identity. We also test for differences among male and female respondents in terms of the impact of reflected appraisals on delinquent self-concept.

Keyword:

symbolic interactionist theory; reflected appraisals; self-concept; self-control theory