NCJ Number
134326
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1991) Pages: 347-377
Date Published
1991
Length
31 pages
Annotation
Data collected in 1981 for the National Survey of Children was used to test a revised model of the power control theory of delinquency which was reformulated on the basis of concerns for both gender and class in delinquency causation and results of prior research.
Abstract
Bivariate analysis revealed that, contrary to power control theory, gender differences in delinquency emerged in families regardless of a patriarchal or egalitarian family structure. A path analysis showed that the quality of the relationship with the mother was important in explaining low levels of delinquency, particularly in boys. The quality of youth's relationships with parents, particularly the experience of negative sanctions from the father, explained delinquency for both sexes. Family's social class rather than socialization for risk taking continues to predict the delinquency of both boys and girls. Study findings failed to support the proposition that girls with mothers in high-status occupations or mothers who were working would be more inclined to delinquency. In general, the study findings caution against one-dimensional and stereotypical thinking in regard to gender, the family, and delinquency. 7 tables, 4 figures and 43 references