Gender Differences In Delinquency

Males are significantly more delinquent than females. Females are more likely to be arrested as runaways. According to the 2004 UCR, female delinquents have been increasing faster than males. Between 1994 and 2004, the number of arrests of male delinquents decreased about 22%, whereas the number of female delinquents arrested increased by 12%.

What crimes are male and female delinquents arrested for? Males commit more crimes than females, but do males commit different crimes then females? Both male and female delinquents are most often arrested for minor crimes. There are some differences in the crimes which males and females are arrested. A majority of all males are arrested for serious crimes. According to the 2004 UCR, 4.7% of all males arrested are for serious violent crimes compareed to 2.6% of all female arrests. And 7.1% of all male arrests are for the serious property crimes such as, burglary and motor-vehicle theft compared to 2.7% of all females. In contrast, the majority of all female arrests are for larceny and status offenses. About 18% of all female arrests are for the status offense of running away and curfew violation versus 9% of all male arrests. Even though males are more likely to be arrested then females, the proportion of all arrests accounted for by females has been increasing over time.

Despite the statistics from the 2004 UCR what other variables may be responsible for the gender delinquency differences? The interactions of socialization, learning, and their culture are all significant factors. Males and females may behave differently due to how they were exposed to different styles of socialization, learned different values, and had different cultural experiences. If both sexes were equally exposed to those factors that produce delinquency, then their delinquency rates would be equal. In American culture, gender role is a significant factor as to why both sexes act differently.

Females are expected to be feminine and display nurturing traits such as being sympathetic and gentle. In contrast, boys are expected to be masculine and display traits of assertiveness and dominance. Females are expected to behave according to the gender role and avoid masculine behavior. Females display more self-control then males which is a factor to help explain differences in delinquency. Whereas, males learn to become masculine by their actions approved by peers such as, aggressive behavior and to avoid displaying nonmasculine traits. The aggressive factor displayed by males increase their delinquency rate. Gender role has a significant impact as to why males commit more crime then females.

Links of Interest:

1. Strain, Self-Control, and Sex Differences in Delinquency

http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/2/1/2/9/0/p212902_index.html

2. Gender, social bonds, and delinquency: a comparison of boys' and girls' models

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WX8-4CG2J53-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=918a9269ccd402d8534a2c7b8449a421

Adolescent Brain Development

Adolescents is a transitional period of life as child becomes an adult. During this time one endures changes of emotions, hormones, judgment, identity and the physical body which all have significant impact. How relevant is the development of the brain?

The brain changes significantly in adolescents. According to scientists research their brains are less developed then previously thought. For example, the frontal lobe undergoes the most change and is the last part of the brain to develop. The frontal lobe is the most significant development in the brain because it allows one to prioritize thoughts, imagine, abstract thinking, anticipate consequences, plan, and control impulses.

Could this help answer why teens act the way they do? The frontal lobe is responsible for organization, planning, and strategizing which is not fully developed in the brain. Would it be unfair to expect adolescents to have adult levels of organization skills, or decision making before their brain is fully developed? The underdeveloped frontal lobe causes adolescents to react with gut instinct rather than with reasoning. This continues well into adulthood until one responds in a more mature manner. Furthermore, the frontal lobe is responsible for the region of the brain that controls aggression and other impulses. If one has not fully matured prior to adulthood, then it may be unreasonable to expect a mature thought process displayed in adults.

Restrictions on adolescents limit their privileges such as, the legal age to drive, drink, vote, marry, and enter into contracts. Adolescents is a significant transitional period which they are subjected to limitations in judgment and maturity. There is a direct correlation with juvenile delinquency because one has difficulty making mature decisions and an understanding of the consequences of their actions due to an under developed frontal lobe. In contrast, this should not excuse adolescents from punishments from violent crime but it lessens their responsibility.

Links of Interest:

1. Secrets of The Teen Brain
http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101040510/

2. Adolescent Brain
http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainBriefings_Adolescent_brain

3. Alcohol And Adolescent Brain Development
http://www.duke.edu/~amwhite/Adolescence/