A Gendered Perspective on the Relationship Between Self-Control and Deviance

Abstract

A consistent finding within criminology is the large sex gap in offending. Although research has examined this phenomenon extensively, the sex gap is still largely unexplained. This study proposes the sex gap in offending can be better understood through exploring the relationship between self-control and gender identity. Using data collected as part of the Tucson Youth Project, this study found gender identity was a crucial link between sex, self-control, and involvement in deviant behavior. Specifically, femininity was associated with greater self-control, and both these variables predicted deviance, even when controlling for sex. In contrast, masculinity had no effect on deviant behavior.