Family structure and its social implications

Drug Crime

The Influence of Family Structure on Drug-Related Crime

Ever since intoxicating substances have existed, there have been regulations imposed both officially and unofficially by society. In our modern era, the sale and distribution of such substances is severely regulated, and in many cases outlawed outright. Drug crimes are some of the most common offenses in the United States and the world today, and the offenders are getting younger and younger (U.S. Department of Justice 2001). Many assume that these younger offenders tend to come from poverty or live in otherwise less-than-ideal situations such as inner cities. While it is true that these factors can contribute to drug use and crime, suburban areas are also seeing a rise in drug crimes among minors and young adults (Masters & Shear 1998). The fact that youth crime is rising across all other demographic areas, including race, poverty, and other common considerations has led to the view that family structure is actually of primary importance in determining the vulnerability of youths to drug crimes.

The fact that family structure has an effect on youth criminality, especially when it comes to drug related crimes, is probably not too surprising. But the effects may actually be more subtle and profound than it has been thought. For instance, it is an unfortunate but established fact that inner city settings have disproportionately higher numbers of people in poverty. Furthermore, racial minorities have a much higher rate of poverty and non-traditional or single-parent homes. This has led to an association of race and poverty with criminality. When it comes to drug crimes, however, white suburban youths have reached rates of criminality that are nearly equal to those of inner city minorities, despite the better potential inherent to their socioeconomic standing (U.S. Department of Justice 2001). This means that economic destitution and societal marginalization are not as full at fault as has been believed.

The importance of family structure, on the other hand, cannot be overstated, both in determining the likelihood of becoming involved in a drug crime and in influencing the type of drug and crime involved (Office of National Drug Control Policy 2000). Many of these influences are indirect. Especially among male juveniles, the incidence of drug crime is much higher amongst those who do not attend school than it is amongst those who do regularly attend (Office of National Drug Policy 2000). Family structure, in turn, has a huge effect on school attendance. In two parent homes, especially where both biological parents of the juveniles are married and in a healthy relationship, children are much more likely to attend school and to refrain from drug use (U.S. Department of Justice 2001; Office of National Drug Policy 2000). In addition, families with fewer children tend to have fewer issues with criminality altogether and drug use especially than families with more children (Masters & Shear 1998).