NCJ Number
140331
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1992) Pages: 273-300
Date Published
1992
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Japanese police arrest data for the period between 1936 and 1988, which encompassed the country's only military defeat, occupation by a foreign power, and economic ascendance to a global superpower, are analyzed to determine the impact of modernization on crime and juvenile delinquency. The data are presented to show trends in theft and embezzlement arrests in relation to overall juvenile arrests and juvenile felony arrests.
Abstract
The findings show that, while adult crime in Japan has decreased over the past 40 years, the rate of juvenile delinquency has increased steadily during the same time period. In terms of juvenile delinquency only, the arrest rates for arson, rape, robbery, and murder declined, while the incidence of embezzlement and theft rose dramatically. The authors apply the theories of social control, anomie, strain, and reintegrative shaming to Japanese juvenile delinquency. They suggest that the empirical data support the theoretical association between increased levels of theft and embezzlement and materialism, weakened family bonds, and poor performance on school entrance examinations. Future research should focus on the relationship between juvenile property offenses and the increasing affluence and inequality in Japanese society as well as further clarification of the effects of family life, educational achievement, and material wealth on delinquency. 2 figures, 1 diagram, 1 table, 7 notes, and 117 references