An examination of sex differences in delinquency

Abstract

Studies show that there are persistent differences in the patterns, duration and intensity of offending among young males and females. A number of researchers have suggested that sex differences in delinquent behaviour may be due to differences in the way that males and females are affected by the same risk and protective factors (Mears et al. 1998; Sprott and Doob 2000; Burton et al. 1998). Understanding the sex differences in delinquent and offending behaviour is important with respect to the assessment of needs for these youth (Artz et al. 2001) and the development of policies and programs designed to target these behaviours. The current study examines factors associated with delinquent behaviour in a Canadian sample of 12-15 year olds. The study investigates whether there are sex differences either in factors that may generate or promote delinquency or in factors that may inhibit or deter delinquency. Specifically, the study tests the sex differences in two factors identified in research as having a strong association with delinquency: the youth’s level of commitment to school, and his or her experience of victimization.