A Test of Social Bonding Theory: Gender Differences of Juvenile Delinquency Among South Korean Youths

• In Event: International Perspectives on Youth Violence, Victimization and Delinquency

Abstract

Prior studies have reported gender difference in juvenile delinquency. According to Hirschi's Social Bonding Theory (1969), females are less likely to commit crimes because of having higher level of social bonding (i.e., attachment, involvement, commitment, and belief) compared to males. The theory has been well-tested to date; however, only a few studies examined gender differences and delinquent behaviors among non-western population (Except for Hwang & Akers, 2007). Therefore, using a Korean youth survey based on 10 middle schools, the current study attempts to investigate gender differences in social bonding and delinquent behaviors among South Korean adolescents. Finally, implications of findings and future directions will be discussed.

Authors

• JiHye Park, Illinois State University

• Dae-Hoon Kwak, Chungnam National University