Decoding the Binary: Reconsidering the Hacker Subculture through a Gendered Lens

Criminal Justice and Behavior

2020

Self Cite

Criminological inquiry has identified a range of risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency. However, little research has assessed juvenile computer hacking, despite the substantial harm and opportunities for delinquent behavior online. Therefore, understanding the applicability of criminological risk factors among a cross-national sample of juvenile hackers is important from a theoretical and applied standpoint. This study aimed to address this gap using a logistic regression and latent class analysis (LCA) of risk factors associated with self-reported hacking behavior in a sample of more than 60,000 juveniles from around the globe. Results demonstrated support for individual- and structural-level predictors of delinquency, although distinct risk factors for hacking among three subtypes are identified in the LCA. This study examines criminological risk factors for juvenile hacking in a cross-national sample and provides insight into the distinct risk factors of hacking, so more tailored prevention and treatment modalities can be developed.

Section: Juvenile Cybercrime and Hackingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Current Aimmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of a Multitheoretic Model to Understand and Classify Juvenile Computer Hacking Behavior

Fox

Criminal Justice and Behavior

2020

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“…The role of gender is more complex with respect to hacking, as males have historically self-reported involvement in hacking at substantially higher levels than females in both juvenile and adult samples (Holt et al, 2012; Hutchings & Chua, 2016; Jordan & Taylor, 1998; Marcum et al, 2014; Schell & Dodge, 2002; Steinmetz et al, 2020). This relationship is similar to traditional delinquency, where males report engaging in acts of violence and property crimes at higher rates generally (Kruttschnitt, 2013; Longshore & Turner, 1998).…”

Section: Defining the Act Of Hacking And The Demographic Composition mentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Role of Opportunity and Low Self-Control in Juvenile Hacking

Cale

Brewer

et al. 2020

Crime & Delinquency

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Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime argues individuals with low self-control are more likely to engage in crime on and off-line. There is less research considering the role of opportunity, as low self-control should increase individuals’ willingness to act on opportunities to offend. The importance of opportunity is distinct for cybercrime, as technology access may be differentially impacted by various demographic factors. This study surveyed 1,411 South Australian adolescents enrolled at secondary schools across a large metropolitan region to examine the relationships between opportunity and self-control for four forms of computer hacking. A series of binary logistic regression models illustrated that distinct opportunity factors and low self-control are associated with each form of hacking.

“…A gender difference in offending rates is particularly evident in computer hacking, where individuals utilize specialized knowledge of computers and the Internet to manipulate computer hardware and software (Levy, 1984; Thomas, 2002). Some estimate that females represent between 5.5 and 8% of all hackers (Bachmann, 2011; Bossler & Burruss, 2010; Hutchings & Chua, 2016; Jordan & Taylor, 1998; Marcum et al, 2014; Rogers et al, 2006; Schell et al, 2002; Skinner & Fream, 1997; Steinmetz et al, 2019; Taylor, 1999).…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Others have pointed to psycho-sexual explanations which argue that hacking is a manifestation of male sexual frustrations (Keller, 1991; Taylor, 2003; Ullman, 1997). The masculine or androcentric subculture of hacking has also been implicated (Holt, 2007; Reagle, 2017; Steinmetz et al, 2019; Thomas, 2002; Turkle, 1984), whereby hackers emphasize competition and dominance which may result in “a climate in which women feel threatened or uncomfortable” (Taylor, 1999, p. 33).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Examining the Role of Power-Control Theory and Self-Control to Account for Computer Hacking

Steinmetz

2020

Crime & Delinquency

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Criminological inquiry consistently identifies a gender difference in offending rates, which are also evident among certain forms of cybercrime. The gender difference in cybercrime offending is particularly large within computer hacking, though few have specifically addressed this issue through applications of criminological theory. The current study attempted to account for the gender disparity in hacking through a test of power-control theory, which considers the role of class and family structure. This analysis also incorporated an extension of power-control theory through the influence of low self-control. Using data from the Second International Self-Report of Delinquency study (ISRD-2), logistic regression analyses were estimated, producing partial support for both theories to account for hacking. Implications for theory and research were explored in detail.