Delinquency Among Asian/Pacific Islanders: Review of Literature and Reseach

Publication Date: January 2002

Publisher: National Council on Crime and Delinquency

Author(s): Thao Le

Research Area: Justice; Population and demographics

Type: Report

Abstract:

This article reviews 34 studies of juvenile delinquency among Asian/Pacific Islanders (APIs) published in referred journals, book chapters, masters theses, and doctoral dissertations since 1970. The author discusses which API ethnic groups have been studied, the ways in which researchers have studied delinquent behavior among APIs and the theoretical models proposed to explain this relationship, as well as empirical findings. Researchers vary widely in their conceptual and methodological perspectives which have resulted in limited and conflicting findings. Researchers are also only beginning to explore and understand important inter- and intra-API differences related to delinquency. The author summarizes the research to date, examining commonly identified risk and protective factors related to delinquency among APIs, and recommends a theoretical orientation for more precise and in-depth research.