Rule-violating behavior of delinquent and non-delinquent youth in games

Viewing delinquency as rule-violating behavior resulting from a failure in the socialization process, it was assumed that delinquents and non-delinquents would demonstrate differences in the frequency of rule-violating behavior, and in reactions to rule-violating behavior in games. Fifty delinquent and fifty non-delinquent members of ten, ongoing neighborhood peer groups were rated by group workers in relation to their rule-violating behavior in group activities and games as it occurred in the natural group setting. It was found that there were no differences between the two groups on the boys' willingness to participate in games, their conformity to peer expectations, and their choice of competitive games. Delinquents were found to violate rules more often, to react more aggressively to rule violations of others, and to deny more often, their responsibility for rule violations. Implications as to the importance of games in socialization and their potential use in treatment are discussed.