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Does Apprehension for Shoplifting Amplify or Terminate Shoplifting Activity?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 August 2024

Lloyd W. Klemke
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Abstract

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This study investigates the effects of being apprehended for shoplifting. The deviance amplification hypothesis derived from labeling theory and the converse deviance termination hypothesis derived from deterrence theory were formulated to structure the analysis. Self-report data on shoplifting were collected from high school students in four communities. Youth who had been apprehended for shoplifting reported more subsequent shoplifting than unapprehended youth. Youth who were exposed to police contact during apprehension reported more subsequent shoplifting than those who were handled by store personnel alone. In addition, apprehended youth reported a stronger deviant self-concept and less fear of store antishoplifting devices. These patterns were not strong but they were consistently in the direction predicted by labeling theory. Although other explanations may also be useful, it appears that labeling theory explains these findings, at least in part.

Type
Research Article
Information
Law & Society Review , Volume 12 , Issue 3: Special Issue on Criminal Justice , Spring 1978 , pp. 391 - 403
Copyright
Copyright © 1978 The Law and Society Association.

Footnotes

I would like to extend my appreciation to the Oregon State University Research Council for financial support for this project and to Ed Starnes for some helpful advice.

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