The impact of race and youth cohort size: An analysis of juvenile drug possession arrest RATES

Statistics indicate that blacks are overrepresented in the juvenile drug-related arrest rates. Based on Easterly's (1978) youth cohort size theory, this study examines whether there is a positive relationship between the black youth cohort size and juvenile drug possession arrest rates controlling for the influence of social disorganization. Using cluster regression analyzing city-level juvenile arrest rates (N = 525), the current study found that the black youth cohort size had a negative relationship with juvenile arrest rates for drug possession, and social disorganization theory provided only a partial explanation. Findings are discussed in the context of theoretical and practical implications and areas for future research.