More than Just a Flock? The Independent and Interdependent Nature of Peer Self-Control on Deviance

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study is to test whether a peer’s self-control is related to deviance and whether it conditions the extent to which an actor’s self-control is related to deviance. To examine these research questions, the study begins by highlighting a series of theoretical inconsistencies in expected direction of peer effects in Gottfredson and Hirschi’s self-control theory. Using dyadic data, crime is regressed onto measures of attitudinal and behavioral self-control from the actor and the friend. Regardless of how self-control is measured, findings demonstrate that the peer’s self-control relates to deviance. Additionally, peer self-control independently and interdependently relates to deviant involvement. Peer self-control is meaningful for deviance in multiple ways among people in friendships, thereby suggesting that the importance of peer self-control on offending behaviors is greater than just being part of a flock.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John H. Boman

John H. Boman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Bowling Green State University. His research is primarily quantitative and focuses on the roles which social relationships – and particularly friendships – play in the etiology of crime, substance use, and deviance.

Thomas J. Mowen

Thomas J. Mowen is an Assistant Professor at Bowling Green State University in the Department of Sociology. With an emphasis on quantitative methodology and longitudinal data analysis, his research focuses primarily on the social and behavioral consequences of educational, correctional, and reentry practices.