Analysis of aggregate- and individual-level data for a national sample of white women suggest that adolescent nonmarital sexual activity and contraceptive use are shaped by the local opportunity structure and normative environment. Social disintegration, socioeconomic status, and availability of employment opportunities for women emerged as…

Using national longitudinal data on 10,860 adolescents, a comparative analysis of community contextual effects on delinquency examined variables derived from three theories. Youths in areas of high male joblessness who experienced stressful life events or little parental supervision were especially likely to be involved in delinquency. The…

Low-income neighborhoods with high African American concentrations increased mortality for all residents, but particularly young and middle-aged men; Mexican American neighborhoods conferred a mortality advantage on male residents; women received a mortality advantage in neighborhoods with higher average educational attainment; and individual…