An Examination of Gender and Race Effects on the Parental Appraisal Process

Abstract

In 1992, Matsueda developed a model of the self and its relationship to delinquent behavior that relies on the processes of appraisal and reflected appraisals. Matsueda acknowledged, however, that race and gender may substantially affect the appraisal process. This study explores the conditional effects of gender and race on Matsueda's model. The results demonstrated that the model fit was acceptable across race and gender subgroups, with the exception of African American adolescent females. Further examination, however, revealed significant differences in the appraisal process. Specifically, White adolescent females were more likely than adolescent males to be appraised delinquent because of their past delinquent behavior. Also, the impact of reflected appraisals on delinquent behavior was significantly greater for adolescent males. The findings support Matsueda's contention that gender and race affect the appraisal process. They suggest further that future analyses should consider the manner in which interactions and appraisals are structured by race and gender.