POWER-CONTROL THEORY,GENDER, AND DELINQUENCY: A PARTIAL REPLICATION WITH ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE ON THE EFFECTS OF PEERS*

This examination of Hagan et al.'s (1985, 1987) power-control theory of delinquency and gender finds that gender and delinquency are related to the relative authority of parents at work in ways unexpected by power-control theory. Support is found, however, for the power-control thesis pertaining to parental control and risk-taking attitudes. In reconciling differences between these findings and those of Hagan et al., the conclusion is that relations of affiliation as well as parental authority are important determinants of delinquency and its relationship with gender.     

French Lesson: What the United Kingdom can Learn from the French Experiment with Gender Parity

France and the UK both have parliaments with one MP per constituency. This electoral system is known not to be conducive to women's representation, and both countries have struggled with low proportions of women in parliament. France's response was to introduce a gender parity law in 2000. Since then, the number of women in the French parliament has almost doubled, but still remains low by European standards and is far from parity. This article considers what the UK can learn from the French experience. In particular, it considers how gender quotas emerged onto the agenda in France, why they were set at 50% and how effective this was, how they were implemented, and why they have not been more successful. The article does not recommend following in France's footsteps, but the UK can take inspiration from France's successes and seek to avoid repeating her mistakes.     

Opobo To-day

These notes on a recent visit by member of the Nigerian EducationDepartment vividly illustrate life in the small delta portsby-passed by railway development elsewhere. The descendantsof King Jaja, it will be remembered, have just been voted $11,420by Parliament in settlement of a 50-year old claim against thekidnapping of the King by Consul (Sir) Harry Johnston in 1887.In this they were assisted by Sir William Geary, Mr. Sorensen,M.P., and Colonel Ponsonby, M.P. A report says that the moneyis to be used to provide a secondary school.