CJUS 702 Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency 2026.docx

Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency 1

NAME

Advanced Juvenile Justice Policy

Liberty University

PROFESSOR

January 26, 2026

Abstract

Gender classifications and criminal behavior encompass a wide range of resources. These

resources explore policies, laws, and research to highlight the issues related to gender and

Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency 2

offenses committed by women? Which theories—whether focused on gender or neutral—offer

the most promising explanations?

This paper will outline trends among female offenders and examine the existing gaps

between genders. Furthermore, it will analyze current theories concerning gender disparities in

criminal conduct through an examination of gender-related crime dynamics. Lastly, it will

present a perspective on female criminology informed by religious viewpoints.

How Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency

The claim that gender serves as a highly dependable predictor of criminal behavior and juvenile

delinquency has garnered increasing attention in crime studies. Research efforts have

predominantly centered on male criminality due to their greater involvement in illegal activities.

Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency 3

as ethnicity, group identity, and gender influence these interactions. Additionally, research into

crime and gender looks at the various pathways individuals take towards engaging in criminal

tailored to the specific needs of female offenders, particularly those addressing past trauma,

mental health issues, and substance abuse. Traditional criminological theories often overlook

crimes perpetrated by women. This raises questions about whether these frameworks can

adequately explain female misconduct. Historically, conventional theories served primarily to

clarify male offending behaviors. Moreover, many traditional criminal justice models claimed to

be gender-neutral, asserting equal applicability to both men and women while neglecting social

constructs surrounding masculinity and femininity.

Another significant oversight within conventional criminology is the differing treatment

of male and female offenders within the legal system. For instance, women charged with

aggravated assault typically receive lighter penalties compared to their male counterparts

offending behavior. Additionally, feminist scholarship posits that gender is shaped and affected

by cultural, traditional, social, and political elements. Feminist studies have highlighted several

Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency 4

their past compared to men. Various factors contribute to a perception that men enjoy a higher

status than women. In interactions, men typically assume leadership roles over women,

embedded within societal structures and communities at large (Snipes, J. B., et al., 2019, p.

230).

Radical feminists go beyond the conventional analysis of social dynamics as a framework

for understanding power relations; they aim for equal influence and status in society while

striving to improve women's lives universally. They directly challenge the prevailing systems of

power. Scholars adopting this view have thoroughly documented the extent and nature of

female victimization, particularly focusing on issues such as rape and emotional abuse

perpetrated by men in intimate relationships characterized by power imbalances. Moreover,

contemporary adolescents represent the first generation to merge face-to-face interactions with

digital communication, thereby creating a new paradigm for interpersonal relationships. While

between gender and crime is influenced by lower resting heart rates." The findings show that

men's average pulse rates are lower than those of women. After controlling for factors such as

Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency 5

the disparities between genders in various crime statistics could be partially explained by

differences in resting cardiovascular rates ranging from 5 to 17%. While traditional theories have

condemned the harsh treatment that female offenders face within the judicial system.

Marxist feminist criminologists assert that the legal system characterizes criminal

behavior as actions that threaten the capitalist patriarchal framework. As a result, when women

take actions that contest men's economic dominance, those actions are categorized as property

crimes. Meanwhile, behaviors that challenge male authority over women's bodies and sexuality

are classified as sexual offenses. An example of this gender inequality is illustrated in the biblical

account of Gibeah, where men perpetrated a brutal act by assaulting and murdering a Levite's

concubine. This incident highlights the disparity between genders. The scriptures condemn the

sexual victimization of women (King James Bible, 2017, 1 Corinthians 9:0): "I advised you in my

epistle to avoid associating with individuals who are sexually immoral." However, I did not mean

Certain feminist criminologists align themselves with Marxist perspectives by

interpreting legal structures as tools of male domination. In contrast to this viewpoint, others

adopt a more intricate analysis that examines how various trends within institutions shape the

Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency 6

racial and gender disparities within the criminal justice system has primarily concentrated on

factors such as the lack of financial incentives or business opportunities for female offenders

discriminatory practices inherent in traditional gender roles—women's responsibilities in

households are typically predetermined. When females serve as primary breadwinners and

heads of families, they bear the expectation of supporting both themselves and their family

members; failure to meet these obligations may drive them to desperate actions. Brezina

asserts that women generally have a lower likelihood of engaging in criminal activity compared

to men. For instance, they are significantly less likely to associate with those involved in illegal

activities and tend to be more committed to their families while experiencing greater parental

oversight.

aggression and competition. One hypothesis suggests that during adolescence, testosterone

levels rise, promoting competitive and aggressive behaviors alongside reproductive urges. This

increase in testosterone-related rivalry among males can lead to heightened hostility and

violence. Research indicates a clear link between dominance and testosterone levels,

Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency 7

Two key concepts need to be clarified regarding the role of testosterone in male physical

aggression and competition. One hypothesis suggests that during adolescence, testosterone

levels rise, promoting competitive and aggressive behaviors alongside reproductive urges. This

increase in testosterone-related rivalry among males can lead to heightened hostility and

violence. Research indicates a clear link between dominance and testosterone levels,

particularly among the most violent offenders who exhibit high testosterone concentrations

(Geniole, S.N., et al., 2020).

Another theoretical framework that aligns with this idea is the evolutionary

neuroandrogenic explanation for aggressive behavior in males. This theory asserts that the

function of such aggression is rooted in competition and may even pose risks to others. The

evolution of testosterone and related hormones has contributed to the masculinization of the

early fatherhood.

Furthermore, notions surrounding female criminality often categorized offenses by

women as minor infractions largely connected to sexual behavior, with a predominant focus on

Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency 8

that female criminal behavior began to be acknowledged as a unique issue, along with its

relationship to socioeconomic factors (Snipes, J. B., et al., p. 240). Alternative theories explore

hypothesis that highlights the increased authority held by women. Various theories have been

introduced to connect the specific violations faced by women with the particular types of

crimes they commit. Additionally, the researchers recounted personal stories that highlighted

the impact of familial relationships on perceptions of crime, thereby demonstrating the

immediate and ongoing lessons regarding behavior within both family and broader social

contexts. Moreover, Heimer and De Coster's study asserts that "males are generally more

aggressive than females because they are exposed to more interpretations that encourage such

behavior; conversely, females engage in criminal activity less frequently than males due to

importance on how they conform to these roles rather than on the roles themselves. The

distinct sociocultural and contextual settings in which men recognize their shortcomings play a

Various Factors Affect Juvenile Delinquency 9

expect variations in their perspectives on crime. Men tend to be more physically assertive and

adept at recognizing multiple solutions to problems while also exhibiting stronger visual skills;

communication and express themselves more readily than men do. Fundamental psychological

or mental differences contribute to why men and women commit different types of offenses.

Women tend to be better communicators compared to men and are often able to navigate out

of adverse situations more effectively. Additionally, society tends to respond with greater

empathy toward female offenders after an incident occurs, which increases the chances of

receiving forgiveness or leniency, a significant aspect frequently overlooked when addressing

female criminals or offenders especially when children are involved. Overall, women typically

receive clemency more often than men do. Additionally, research focusing on juvenile crime and

among women primarily revolve around familial issues and tend to involve less violence (Snipe,

J.B. et al., 2016, p. 235). Generally speaking, women are inclined to suppress their emotions and

often manage them internally; however, men are more likely to express their feelings through

aggressive actions or violence.