Gender is one of the strongest correlates of delinquent behavior, but gender differences in delinquency have proven difficult to explain. Some analysts have called for gender-specific theories of delinquency, whereas others argue that males and females are differentially exposed to or differentially affected by the same criminogenic conditions. Building on the latter approach, this article draws on Sutherland's theory of differential association and Gilligan's theory of moral development to argue that males and females are differentially affected by exposure to delinquent peers. Analysis of data from the National Youth Survey supports the hypothesis that moral evaluations act as a barrier to reduce or counteract the influence of delinquent peers among females, thereby producing large observed sex differences in delinquent behavior.

Employment is ofien thought to discourage participation in crime, but self-report data from juveniles consistently disclose a positive correlation between employment and delinquency. This analysis tests three possible explanations for that correlation. The first is that differences in levels of delinquency between workers and nonworkers exist prior to employment. The second h o l h that working increases independence from parents, thereby reducing the controlling effect of parental influence. The third explanation, drawing on Sutherland's theory of differential association, is that employment increases delinquent behavior by exposing adolescents to a wider network of peers, including delinquent peers. Analysis of data from waves 1, 2, and 3 of the National Youth Survey reveals a positive association between employment and some forms of delinquency, especially alcohol and drug use. Selection bias explains much, but not all, of the association. Although no support is found for the parental influence explanation, the remaining employment effect is explained by exposure to delinquent peers.Employment is commonly thought to discourage participation in delinquency. Many believe that by raising self-esteem, instilling a positive work ethic, binding one to conventional society, or filling up otherwise idle hours, youth employment decreases delinquency. These rationales underpin many government programs aimed at reducing juvenile crime (e.g., Jobs for Youth; see Wall et al., 1981). 1 Similarly, prominent sociological theories of delinquency predict a negative relationship between working and delinquency (see Empey and Stafford, 1991; Thornberry and Christenson, 1984;Vold and Bernard, 1986). In social bond theory, for example, employment is seen as a conventional * My thanks to Mark Wan, Daniel Mears, Mark Stafford, Lori Ploeger, and the anonymous referees for their constructive comments and suggestions.