A Self-Concept Comparison of Indian and Anglo Delinquency in Wyoming

The study is a continuation of previous research into the nature and magnitude of the delinquency problem among Wind River Indian Reservation youths in Wyoming. The study is based on responses to a self-report questionnaire concerning delinquent acts, alcohol use and drug use which was administered to 9-12 grade students in high schools in the Wind River Indian Reservation area (May 1972). Findings were based on a sample that included 355 Anglo males, 315 Anglo females, 68 Indian males and 62 Indian females. There was little overall difference in the self-reported delinquent activities of Indian and Anglo males, with the exception that Indians were more involved in offenses centering around the school. Data did indicate, however, that compared to the Anglo female, the Indian female was considerably more involved in running away from home and in school centered offenses. Also, although there was an indication of a slightly greater drug use by Indians, the study did not indicate that illegal drinking is more of a problem among Indians than Anglos. The Indian youths in this study were disproportionately concentrated in the lower class and were somewhat underrepresented in the middle class. Thus, it is possible that some or all of the differences that have been found between Indian and Anglo delinquency may be due to differential social class distribution. This hypothesis was analyzed by sex, race, and social class. (FF)