Relational Problems with Peers, Gender, and Delinquency

Abstract

Although there is some evidence to suggest that classic strain theory is applicable to both male and female delinquency, several theorists have argued that a distinct version of strain theory may be required to explain delinquency among females. In particular, whereas male deviance tends to be generated by classic (or economic) strain, female deviance tends to be generated by strain occurring in interpersonal relations. This study attempts to test this argument by examining the relative effects of interpersonal strain on male and female delinquency. An analysis of national survey data reveals that interpersonal strain (or problems in peer relations) is an important correlate of certain types of delinquency among female adolescents. The analysis also reveals, however, that interpersonal strain is perhaps a more important correlate of male delinquency. Implications for the understanding of female delinquency are discussed.

Explaining crime for a young adult population: An application of general strain theory

“…Other studies indicated that while strain was relevant to both genders, there were some noteworthy differences in the causal processes. Findings reported by Agnew and Brezina (1997) revealed that strain was correlated with both male and female delinquency, but the association was stronger among males. Hay (2003) reported a similar gender differential in his examination of the associations between family strain and delinquency.…”

“…As noted, to date the majority of the research on GST concentrated on the young, primarily adolescents (Agnew & Brezina, 1997;Agnew, Brezina, Wright, & Cullen, 2002;Agnew & White, 1992;Aseltine, Gore, & Gordon, 2000;Hay, 2003;Hoffmann & Cerbone, 1999;Hoffmann & Su, 1997;Mazerolle, 1998;Mazerolle, Burton, Cullen, Evans, & Payne, 2000;Mazerolle & Maahs, 2000;Paternoster & Mazerolle, 1994;Piquero & Sealock, 2000, 2004. So far GST has enjoyed a fair amount of support in the research that focused on adolescents.…”

Exploring the Moderating Influence of Delinquent Peers on the Link Between Trauma, Anger, and Violence Among Male Youth: Implications for Social Work Practice

“…Official statistics reveal that males are initiated into and commit the majority of their crimes in male peer groups (Snyder 2000). Moreover, unresolved emotions, such as anger, coupled with increased exposure to delinquent peers, can further exacerbate the risk that a youth who has experienced trauma will in turn react with violence (Agnew and Brezina 1997).…”

Depression and Delinquency: A Review of Research

“…premises of GST, interpersonal strains were found to be more pronounced for male delinquency [40]. In another study, Piquero and Sealock [41] found that depression did not influence either interpersonal or property offending.…”