Gender Differences in Delinquent Involvement: An Exploration of the Interactive Effects of Friend Bonding and Friend Delinquency

Abstract

The criminological literature faces a paradox regarding gender, friend relationships, and delinquency. Past research shows that while friends are an important part of adolescence for both young men and young women, males are more likely to have delinquent friends, and male friendships are more likely to cultivate delinquency. Past studies indicate that “girl friends are better” for inhibiting delinquency. Beyond the gender composition of friendship networks and the recognition that young men tend to be more criminally involved, researchers have done little to explain how friend relationships and friend delinquency contribute to gender variations in delinquent involvement. Why are friendships among young men more likely to result in delinquent involvement compared to friendships among young women? It may be because friend bonding differs for young men and women, and these differences may explain gender variations in delinquency. Furthermore, the impact of friend bonding on delinquency may be conditioned by friend delinquency. I utilize a sample of adolescents in the Toledo area to investigate gender, friend relationships, and delinquency. Results suggest that the interactive effects of friend bonding and friend delinquency partially explain the gender gap in delinquency.