Does the Relationship Between Family Structure and Delinquency Vary According to Circumstances? An Investigation of Interaction Effects

Empirical research has shown that familial disruption is associated with delinquent behaviour. Recent investigations suggest that reduced levels of attachment in non-traditional families may be responsible for this effect. However, it is not known whether the impact of familial disruption varies according to familial socio-economic status (SES) or the gender of the children. Some authors have argued that the criminogenic influence is greater for boys, while others have maintained that girls are more adversely influenced. Similar contradictory evidence has been reported with respect to SES. Finally, a substantial number of studies have shown that the influence of familial disruption is largely invariant to gender and SES. The goal of this study was to determine whether or not familial disruption interacts with these two variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used in the investigation. A representative sample of Ontario school children was analysed (N = 1,891). The analysis reveals that family structure interacts with SES, but only with respect to one form of delinquent behaviour. This result may represent a chance finding. Overall, the relationship between family structure and delinquency is remarkably similar across circumstances.