NCJ Number
85176
Journal
Criminology Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: (August 1982) Pages: 149-167
Date Published
1982
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article examines sex differences in family bonds as a possible explanation of sex differences in self-reported delinquent behavior (SRD) among a national probability sample of 1725 adolescents.
Abstract
It was hypothesized that girls would report significantly stronger family bonds and significantly lower delinquency than boys. The findings provide limited support for these hypotheses. The expected sex differences in SRD were observed: males report significantly greater involvement in all forms of family bonds were not observed. Family bonds are modestly correlated with delinquency, but at comparable rates for males and females, and with evidence of their greater association among males in many cases. Theoretical and methodological explanations are suggested for the divergence of the observed findings from existing research. (Publisher abstract)