NCJ Number
208469
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2005 Pages: 1-17
Editor(s)
Kent B. Joscelyn
Date Published
January 2005
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined the role of gender, as a power-laden concept, in the development of self-control and explored whether there were gender differences in criminality that could be explained by related gender differences in low self-control as suggested in Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime.
Abstract
Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime (1990) stated that the key causal factor in general criminal activity was low self-control. Their position was in the relationship between gender, low self-control, and crime; those with low self-control had a need for immediate gratification, and those with low self-control had a higher likelihood of criminal activity. In this study, the understudied aspects of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s theory, the role of gender and the role of parental socialization on self-control across household types were explored, as well as a critique of the general theory by Miller and Burack’s (1993) and Hagan’s power-control theory. The study attempted to bridge the gap between theories and explain the gender-crime relationship. Data used for this study were collected from a random sample of adults (n=350) selected from the R.L. Polk Directory in Oklahoma City. Results indicated that while low self-control explained both male and female criminality, the effect of parenting on the development of low self-control was complex, with males and females differentially responding to parents’ control. Study limitations and recommendations are presented and discussed. References