POWER‐CONTROL THEORY, GENDER, AND DELINQUENCY: A PARTIAL REPLICATION WITH ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE ON THE EFFECTS OF PEERS*

Abstract

This examination of Hagan et al.'s (1985, 1987) power‐control theory of delinquency and gender finds that gender and delinquency are related to the relative authority of parents at work in ways unexpected by power‐control theory. Support is found, however, for the power‐control thesis pertaining to parental control and risk‐taking attitudes. In reconciling differences between these findings and those of Hagan et al., the conclusion is that relations of affiliation as well as parental authority are important determinants of delinquency and its relationship with gender.