Citation
Dennison, Christopher (2018). Gender Differences in the Relationship between Intergenerational Educational Pathways and Crime.
Abstract
In recent decades, college enrollment and completion rates among men and women have reversed, such that nearly 60% of all degree holders in the U.S. are now women. The role of women’s economic liberation in the study of crime has garnered substantial attention, in part due to the fact that increases in crime among women were expected to coincide with such economic progression. However, contrary to these assertions, research shows that economic marginality, such as having low levels of education, is more closely associated with crime among women. Yet, trends in college completion suggest that the criminogenic consequences associated with low levels of education might vary between men and women. That is, for women, particularly those coming from advantaged families where pursuing a college degree is a norm, failure to complete college might be conceived as a monumental loss in status, and be more conducive to crime for women than for men. Drawing on data from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, this study examines differences in the relationship between intergenerational educational pathways (i.e., a comparison of one’s attained education to their parents’ attainments) and crime between men and women.
Reference Type
Conference paper
Book Title
American Society of Criminology
Author(s)
Dennison, Christopher
Year Published
2018
City of Publication
Atlanta, GA
Reference ID
6635
