This project requires the student to access the 2005 KIDS COUNT Data Book via the internet: http://www.aecf.org/kidscount/sld/index.jsp. This is a comprehensive database that allows you to generate custom reports for a geographic area or to compare geographic areas on a topic.
Use the Kids Count Data Book Online and examine how "percent of teens not attending school and not working (ages 16-19)" varies across the states. You can view this data as a chart, map, or graph. Think of this variable as a measure of teen idleness, since these teenagers are neither working nor going to school. Link: http://www.aecf.org/kidscount/sld/compare_results.jsp?i=120
1. Which region or regions of the country have a higher rate of teen idleness? How much variation is there in the rate of teen idleness? Which state has the lowest (best) rate of teen idleness, and what is the percent in that state? Which state has the highest (worst) rate of teen idleness, and what is the percent in that state?
2. How does the data for the year 2004 compare with 2001? Use a line graph to examine teen idleness over time. Choose the United States, Virginia, and one other state for your line graph. Consider choosing one of the worst of best-ranked states as a comparison. Choose "percent teens not attending school/working" as your indicator.
3. Describe the overall national trend. Was there an increase, decrease, or did it stay the same. Put another way, nationally are we experiencing more or less teen idleness?
4. Describe the trend for Virginia and the other state chosen. Do these state trends differ from the national trend? Describe any similarities and differences.
5. Merton's strain theory of deviance suggests that deviance occurs when legitimate or institutionalized means (getting a good education and job) of achieving cultural goals (becoming wealthy or achieving high status) are blocked. We might expect that teens not attending school or working might experience strain.
Look up data on juvenile crime for the same (or similar) years to compare with your teen idleness data. One source you could use is arrest statistics from the OJJDP: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/ojstatbb/ezaucr/default.asp. You do not have to use this source, but you must document the source you use.
What do you find out? What does it mean for Strain Theory? Can other theories explain the relationship? Is another theory more/less applicable?
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