Mean Streets: The Theoretical Significance of Situational Delinquency Among Homeless Youths

Abstract

Contemporary sociological theories of delinquency emphasize background and developmental factors while neglecting adverse situational conditions. This study uses data from youth on the street and in school to test an intergration of strain and control theories that spans background and situational factors. After background and steet exposure variables are controlled for an after school and street samples are combined, there is consistent evidence of the effects of adverse situational conditions: hunger causes theft of food, problems of hunger and shelter lead to serious theft, and problems of unemployment and shelter produce prostitution. These findings broaden and increase theoretical understanding of street life and crime.