A test of Hirschi's social bonding theory: a comparison of male and female delinquency

Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 2008 Apr;52(2):134-57. doi: 10.1177/0306624X07309182. Epub 2007 Nov 8.

Abstract

In this study, Hirschi's social bonding theory is employed to identify what aspects of the theory can explain male and female delinquency and whether social bonding variables can equally explain male and female delinquency (generalizability problem) in a developing society, Turkey. The data include a two-stage-stratified cluster sample of 1,710 high school students from the central districts of Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The findings suggest that social bonding variables play a more important role for male students than for female students. Furthermore, they indicate that components of the social bonding theory can equally explain both male and female delinquent acts.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Developing Countries*
  • Female
  • Friends / psychology
  • Gender Identity*
  • Humans
  • Juvenile Delinquency / psychology*
  • Male
  • Moral Development
  • Object Attachment*
  • Psychological Theory*
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Facilitation
  • Social Values
  • Socialization*
  • Turkey