[An investigation into how parental supervision influences on delinquency]

by

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

This study assesses the relationship between parental supervision and children's delinquency. Data used in this study came from interviews with 99 parents from the Denton city area of Texas in 2003. A probability sample of 53 was contacted by way of randomly selected residential telephone numbers. In addition, 46 parents were nonrandomly selected. Parents were asked about how much time they spent supervising and engaging in activities with their children and whether or not the oldest child exhibited delinquent behavior such as fighting, playing hooky, and being sent to detention or the principal's office. The study found that the more time parents spend in supervision and in engaging activities with their daughters, the less likely these children were to exhibit delinquent behavior. This was consistent with previous research. However, the level of delinquency of boys increased with the increase in the amount of parental supervision time, especially by fathers.

ABSTRACT4

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION6

1.1 Background Statement6

1.2 History of Delinquency8

1.3 Aims and Objectives9

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW10

2.1 Individual Characteristics and Delinquency10

2.2 Neighborhood Characteristics and Delinquency12

2.3 Peer Association as Risk Factor15

2.4 Family as Risk Factor16

2.4 Theoretical Foundation18

2.5 Social Learning Theory21

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY23

3.1 Hypothesis23

3.2 Variables23

3.2.1 Independent Variables23

3.2.2 Dependent Variables24

3.2.3 Control Variables24

3.3 Survey of Parents25

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE DATA27

4.1 Description of Sample27

4.2 Influence of the Control Variables35

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION44

5.1 Findings44

5.2 Evaluation of the Hypothesis45

5.3 Significance of the Study47

5.4 Implications of the Study51

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION53

6.1 Conclusion53

6.2 Limitations54

6.3 Future Studies56

REFERENCES57

APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE64

APPENDIX B66

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The first chapter of this study contains three sections. The first section consists of an introductory statement to the study. The second section, History of Delinquency, shows the different stages of delinquency that led to the creation of the juvenile court. The third section addresses information on relevant and practical intervention programs to deal with child delinquency.

1.1 Background Statement

Child delinquency is a perpetual problem for society (Paterson, 1911, pp. 56)). The creation of a juvenile jurisdiction in 1899 in the state of Illinois marked the seriousness of the American government in wanting to solve the social phenomenon that is child delinquency. What motivated the foundation of a separate court of justice for youths was the belief that a juvenile offender is different from an adult violator of the law. The difference between both types of offenders is based on two main criteria: age and mental maturity. Due to the fact that a child is developmentally inferior to an adult, it became important to send young offenders to a special institution capable of punishing them appropriately, according to their level ...