Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Agnew's strain theory of criminology that deviant behavior is likely to be triggered by virtue of anger. Research that shows that males are more at risk of criminal behavior is included in the paper. The paper then studies this research together with the strain theory to explore the several possible associations that suggest possible mechanisms explaining the apparent greater susceptibility of males to the negative consequences of stressful stimuli defined by general strain theory. The paper also analyzes social relationships and copings skills that females have that enable them to overcome negative emotions and anger to generate deviance and criminality.

Outline:
Agnew's Strain Theory of Criminology
Strain Theory and Gender Differences in Criminal Conduct
Male Violence as a Function of "Doing Gender"
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"Expressing emotions and sharing frustrations is hardly the only aspect of gender-specific socialization that affects males and predisposes them disproportionately to the risk of reacting to strains in deviant, criminal, or violent manners. To a certain extent, males of most biological species including human beings are larger and more powerful than females as a result of evolutionary necessity. Higher testosterone levels and other inherent differences between the genders contributes to the greater male tendency to confrontations and to violence under the influence of comparable internal frustrations and external provocations."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a General Strain Theory. Criminology, Vol. 30, No.1, pp. 47-87.
• Agnew, R., Brezina, T. (1997). Relational Problems with Peers, Gender, and Delinquency; Youth & Society, Vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 84-111.
• Broidy, L. (2001). Test of General Strain Theory; Criminology, Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 9-35
• Francis, K. (2007) Gender Differences in Delinquency and Health Risk Behaviors: A Test of General Strain Theory; (Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology).
• Ogle, R., Maier-Katkin, D., Bernard, T. (1995). A Theory of Homicidal Behavior Among Women; Criminology, Vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 173-193.

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