The Southwest Journal of Criminal Justice, Vol. 7 (2) 138 Rodriguez & Belshaw — General Strain Theory: A Comparative Analysis of Latino & White Youths. (2010) Southwest Journal of Criminal Justice, Vol. 7(2). pp. 138-158. © 2010 Southwestern Association of Criminal Justice GENERAL STRAIN THEORY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LATINO & WHITE YOUTHS John J. Rodriguez University of Texas at Arlington Scott Belshaw University of North Texas Abstract This study investigates how general strain theory (GST) may aid in explaining racial differences in offending. In particular, the study compares measures of general strain theory and White juvenile delinquency to that of Latino juvenile delinquency. Secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the National Survey of Adolescents (Kilpatrick & Saunders, 1995). The data was collected over a six-month period from January, 1995 to June, 1995. The sample size was N = 3,136 of which 87.6% were White youths (N = 2,746) and 12.4% were Latinos youth (N = 390). Results indicated that even though Latino youth suffer from strain and might handle strain differently, Latino youths are less likely to commit delinquent acts due to strain. On the other hand, White youths have a propensity to commit more serious acts of delinquency, as a result of strain, than Latino youth. Key words: Juvenile, General Strain Theory, Youth INTRODUCTION Latinos are a rapid-growing segment of the American population. It has been estimated by the United States Census Bureau that Latinos comprise of 14.7% of the U.S. population surpassing African-Americans (United States Census Bureau, 2007). Because the population of Latinos has increased drastically over the last several decades, the etiology of Latino crime and delinquency is becoming increasingly important (Perez-McClusky, 2002). In order to fill the gaps in the literature it is important to address the uniqueness of the Latino population which