Working While in School and Delinquent Involvement: Implications for Social Policy

Abstract

Based on a national sample of 1,775 youths, the authors explored the relationship of labor market participation on delinquency. Consistent with the limited existing research, the results revealed that working while in school, as measured by hours employed each week, increased delinquent involvement among high-risk males. These findings caution that unless carried out carefully and in conjunction with other treatment modalities, delinquency prevention programs based on employment are likely to be ineffective if not criminogenic.