NCJ Number
189587
Journal
Deviant Behavior Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2001 Pages: 323-351
Editor(s)
Craig J. Forsyth Ph.D.
Date Published
August 2001
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This article reviewed the control balance explanation of gender differences in deviance and used data collected specifically for the purpose of operationalizing the control ratio that provided empirical tests of five hypotheses derived from Tittle’s (1995) arguments concerning gender, control balance, and deviance.
Abstract
Research has acknowledged that males are over-represented in crime statistics. An explanation of this difference through existing criminological theory has not yet been provided. This article reviewed Tittle’s (1995) arguments concerning gender differences in deviant behavior and derived five gender hypotheses from control balance theory. Data used was collected specifically for the purpose of operationalizing the control ratio. The article examined differential involvement in two forms of deviance, predation against self and exploitation against others, and empirically assessed each of the derived hypotheses. Findings indicated: (1) an absence of a statistically significant difference between the mean control balance ratios of males and females; (2) significant relationships between gender and involvement in different types of deviance; and (3) differential effects of the control balance ratio on different types of deviance across gender. The analysis suggested that Tittle’s (1995) control balance theory appeared relevant for the literature on gender and deviance, but room was seen for continued research especially as it relates to a potential race-gender-class interaction. Further exploration of this three-way interaction was seen as potentially offering insights into particular forms of deviance and victimization. Tables and references