sex role theory

• Talcott Parsons applied his idea of socialization into gender roles to explain differences in rates of criminality between males and females
• Parsons suggested that males and females are best suited to different roles within the family based on biological characteristics and socialization
• Males were socialized into the instrumental role of providing financial support and discipline, while females took on the expressive role of emotional care, nurturing children, and domestic labor
• Social expectations to perform these roles can help explain differences in offending rates between males and females
• Parsons examined the socialization of children into their future gender roles, impacting different rates of offending between males and females
• Girls were socialized into the expressive role with support from their mothers, while boys had less input from fathers into their socialization, leading to differences in gender roles and expectations
• Boys are socialized into more aggressive and competitive pursuits, given more independence, later curfews, and freedom compared to girls
• Boys' behaviors are influenced by peer reinforcement, leading to involvement in subcultures or gangs where masculine behaviors are rewarded, potentially leading to criminal behaviors
• New right theorists have adopted Parsons' ideas of incomplete socialization, focusing on the underclass of young men from lone parent families
• Research by Tony Sewell suggests that higher rates of lone parenthood in black communities contribute to increased gang membership by black males
• Sex role theory is based on outdated notions of gender roles and socialization, not fully applicable to contemporary society with diverse family types and lifestyles
• The rise in female criminality since Parsons' time indicates changes in socialization into gender roles, providing more opportunities for female criminality
• Adler's liberation thesis suggests that lower female criminality in Parsons' time was due to excessive control over women through socialization
• Heidensen and Carlin's ideas are relevant in addressing changes in socialization and gender roles over time