NCJ Number
91700
Journal
Sociological Inquiry Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1982) Pages: 349-357
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper argues that many studies could abandon the 'great dichotomy' (sex) or augment it with the concept masculinity-femininity (M-F). Data from a study on the relationship between delinquency and M-F support this argument.
Abstract
Most social science research routinely uses the great dichotomy as a variable to predict behavior or as a variable to be statistically controlled when examining relationships among other variables. However, this practice is often theoretically unsound. The use of a crude nominal measure such as sex, moreover, often reduces the precision of statistical analysis. The data from the study reported supports the hypothesis that self-reported delinquency could be better explained by M-F than by sex. Three tables, endnotes, and 29 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)