The Heterogeneous Development of Norm Orientation

Abstract In criminological research, individual norm orientation is one of the main explanatory factors for delinquent behaviour. The connection between low norm orientation and increased delinquency has been empirically proven many times. However, norm orientation itself and in particular its development have hardly been systematically investigated to date. In recent years, Situational Action Theory, in particular, has emphasised the importance of its development for explaining delinquent behaviour in addition to general questions about norm orientation. This study therefore examines how norm orientation changes between the ages of 14 and 18. The focus is on the question of whether a homogeneous, topic-independent norm development can be assumed or whether there is a heterogeneous development. To this end, data from five panel waves of the study Crime in the Modern City (CrimoC) (n = 2,574) and ten norm orientation items (violence-, theft-, substance- and vandalism-related) were analysed. Differentiated development patterns were identified with the help of various latent growth models. The results show that the norm orientation of young people does not develop homogeneously but rather in a clearly topic-specific manner. A homogeneous development of norm orientation can therefore be ruled out.