Citation

Sherer M. Crim. Justice Behav. 1991; 18(3): 267-286.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0093854891018003002

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Peer group norms of Jewish and Arab street-corner youth groups in Israel were studied using a peer norm indicator that measures two clusters of norms: three positive (motivation, respect for authority, helping others) and three negative (aggression, manipulation, criminality; Grissom, 1977). The norms of these groups were compared with those of two control groups (one Jewish and the other Arab) consisting of junior and senior high school students. The results indicated higher negative norms among the Arab street-corner youngsters than among their Jewish counterparts. The findings may provide an explanation for the occurrence of high levels of crime among Arab youth. An alternative explanation is discussed as well, taking into consideration possible discrimination against Arab youth by the criminal justice system in Israel.

Keywords: Juvenile justice

Language: en