THE TECHNIQUES OF NEUTRALIZATION AND VIOLENCE

This study uses data from the second and third waves of the National Y outh Survey to examine the effect of neutralizations regarding violenc e on violent behavior. Data indicate that only a small percentage of a dolescents generally approve of violence or express indifference to vi olence. A large percentage of adolescents, however, accept neutralizat ions justifying the use of violence in particular situations. Both cro ss-sectional and longitudinal data suggest that the acceptance of thes e neutralizations contributes to violent behavior. Further, the effect of these neutralizations on violence is conditioned by certain variab les; neutralization is most likely to lead to violent behavior among t hose who disapprove of violence and associate with delinquent peers.