Social Integration, Self-Control, and Conformity

• NCJ Number: 221980
• Journal: Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2008 Pages: 73-92
• Author(s): Michael R. Welch; Charles R. Tittle; Jennifer Yonkoski; Nicole Meidinger; Harold G. Grasmick
• Date Published: March 2008
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Using data from a survey of the population of a southwestern city that allowed measurement of two types of social integration, including socially supportive networks, this study examined the link between self-control and social integration and determined whether social integration was linked with misbehavior independently of self-control.

Abstract

The findings indicate that self-control is a persistent predictor of misconduct independently of social integration. Although interpersonal social integration apparently stands alone in association with deviance, community integration showed no relationship with self-control or misbehavior. These findings are similar to those of past similar research that shows self-control and at least some forms of social integration are independently associated with misconduct, which seems to justify further investigation of social support in social integration. Still, caution must be used in drawing conclusions, since the data are cross-sectional, which makes it difficult to assess causal sequences. Also, measurement of some of the variables was less complete than the researchers would have liked. In addition, some aspects of social integration, such as the strength or warmth of relationships, and other relevant factors were not measured. Data were collected during the spring of 1991 as part of the annual Oklahoma City Survey. It was administered to a random sample of 395 adults ages 18 and over, which was reasonably representative of the Oklahoma City population as reflected in the 1990 census. The dependent variables were self-reports of specific past misbehavior and self-estimates of future misconduct. Independent variables were self-control as measured by the Grasmick et al. scale; social integration, as measured by interpersonal and socially supportive bonds, as well as involvement in conventional community activities; and interpersonal integration, based on responses to six items regarding respondents' interpersonal relationships with people who are emotionally close and/or provide emotional support. 4 tables and 103 references