Shoplifting Research Paper

Shoplifting Among Students | Fall 1974 | Journal of Retailing : Volume 50, Number 3 | [Type the document subtitle] |

In 1974, Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Amin El-Dirghami published an article titled “Shoplifting Among Students” in the Fall issue of the Journal of Retailing. She began by stating that shoplifting among students has reached a point where more efforts should be directed toward dealing with the issue. Shoplifting in the United States had increased by 221 percent in the 1960s. Shoplifting was estimated to be the cause of 15 to 33 percent of stock shortages, which was valued between .7 and 1.7 billion dollars per year. Shoplifting permeates all demographics and is irrespective
As motives for committing this crime have been researched, adversity and financial problems were found to have very little to do with shoplifting. Researchers consider alienation, rebellion, moral decline and excitement as major factors contributing to the increase in shoplifting. With the increase of shoplifting being prevalent, many retailers are forced to charge higher prices to compensate for stolen merchandise, plus the cost of implementing security systems to minimize the threat of stolen
In order to formulate conclusions, this study formulated two methods to survey individuals. The first survey was referred to as the college sample. This random sample consisted of 200 students out of a population of 9,924. The stratification factors were sex and academic classification. This survey was conducted via mail after telephone solicitation and the response rate was 54 percent (108 subjects) while 53 percent (106 questionnaires) were usable. The second survey was referred to as the high school sample. In this survey 178 students were randomly selected out of a population of 4,062. The stratification factors were sex, academic classification and school. Participants were survey during study halls in order to comply with the School Board’s wishes and the response rate was 65.7 percent (117 subjects) while 62.9 percent (112 questionnaires) were usable. Shoplifting was broken down into three categories: nonshoplifters (never shoplifted), triers (shoplifted once), and repeaters (shoplifted more than once). After analysis of the 218 surveys, 54.59 percent were labeled nonshoplifters; 19.72 percent were triers; and 25.69 percent were repeaters. Among the 112 high school students, 49.11 percent were nonshoplifters;