The application of criminological theory to a Japanese context: Power- control theory

Abstract

The present study investigates the applicability of power-control theory in explaining the gender discrepancy in deviance and delinquency in Japan, a patriarchal society. Conceived by Hagan and his colleagues, power-control theory attempts to explain gender differences in criminality and suggests that occupational patriarchy is responsible for this gender discrepancy in crime. Within a Japanese context, the findings reveal that the gender difference in common delinquency is only significant within more patriarchal households and is non-significant in less patriarchal households. These results are more distinct than the previous results from a Canadian sample, meaning that power-control theory may be more applicable to more patriarchal societies like Japan than to more egalitarian societies like Canada.