EXPLAINING THE GENDER-GAP IN DELINQUENCY - PEER INFLUENCE AND MORAL EVALUATIONS OF BEHAVIOR

Gender is one of the strongest correlates of delinquent behavior; but gender differences in delinquency have proven difficult to explain. So me analysts have called for gender-specific theories of delinquency, w hereas others argue that males and females are differentially exposed to or differentially affected by the same criminogenic conditions. Bui lding on the latter approach, this article draws on Sutherland's theor y of differential association and Gilligan's theory of moral developme nt to argue that males and females are differentially affected by expo sure to delinquent peers. Analysis of data from the National Youth Sur vey supports the hypothesis that moral evaluations act as a barrier to reduce or counteract the influence of delinquent peers among females, thereby producing large observed sex differences in delinquent behavi or.