Is there a difference between male and female youth in committing delinquent acts?
Research has shown that there are some differences between male and female youth in terms of committing delinquent acts. However, it is important to note that these differences are not absolute and there is a significant amount of overlap between genders in delinquent behavior.
1. Prevalence and types of offenses: On average, males tend to exhibit higher rates of delinquency compared to females. They are more likely to engage in acts such as physical violence, property crimes, and drug offenses. Females, on the other hand, are more likely to be involved in non-violent crimes like shoplifting, prostitution, and running away from home.
2. Motivation and risk factors: The motivations behind delinquent acts can vary between genders. Research suggests that males often engage in delinquency to display dominance, establish a reputation, or gain peer acceptance. Females, on the other hand, may be more influenced by relationship issues, emotional struggles, and the need for attention.
3. Peer influence: Peer influence plays a significant role in delinquent behavior for both males and females, but research suggests that it tends to be stronger for males. Males are more likely to be influenced by their male peers to engage in risky and antisocial behaviors. However, this does not mean that females are not influenced by peers; rather, they may be influenced by different factors or exhibit more susceptibility to peer pressure within their own social networks.
4. Response from criminal justice system: Studies have found that males are more likely to have contact with the criminal justice system than females for similar offenses. This might be attributed to various factors, including the type of offenses committed, differential police intervention, and variation in reporting rates.
It is important to highlight that these gender differences should not be overgeneralized, as there is considerable variation within each gender. Factors such as individual characteristics, socio-economic background, family dynamics, and cultural influences can all contribute to the delinquent behavior of both males and females.