NCJ Number
77135
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry Volume: 19 Dated: (1980) Pages: 300-310
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined differences in delinquent patterns between delinquent boys and girls by comparing delinquents admitted to a Juvenile Justice Center in a midwestern State.
Abstract
The subjects were 63 white females, 82 white males, 10 black females, and 29 black males, all of whom were admitted for evaluation and detention by court order between April 1, 1977, and March 31, 1978. The comparison included analysis of the interaction of sex difference with variables that usually have been thought to be associated with delinquency, such as hyperactivity, learning disability, and abuse. The results showed that the overall male-female ratio was 3 to 2; for blacks this ratio was 3 to 1; and for whites it was 1.3 to 1. The larger proportion of white girls may be due to their higher socioeconomic background in which gender-related behavioral roles may have been lost. No significant difference in the mean age of boys and girls at the time of present admission was noted. However, the boys were significantly younger than the girls at the time of the first court referral. In addition, boys had a significantly higher arrest rate than girls, which may be explained by social and family tolerance for girls or by the fact that girls were more likely to be sent to mental hospitals than to the center. A history of hyperactivity was found among 13.70 percent of the girls and 48.65 percent of the boys; and at the time of admission, 4.10 percent of the girls and 8.10 percent of the boys were hyperactive. In addition, 17.8 percent of the females and 45.95 percent of the males had a learning disability. Nearly half of the sample had divorced parents, and about one-third had been severely abused. The most common cause for admission for girls was a status offense, while for boys it was a property offense. Black juveniles, both boys and girls, tended to be personal offenders. Related studies are reviewed. Data tables and a 14-item reference list are included.