Research indicates that the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and delinquency is not as strong as suggested by the leading crime theories. This article argues that such theories do not predict that SES in and of itself causes delinquency but rather that the economic problems associated with SES cause delinquency. Such problems include substantial changes in lifestyle due to lack of money and the inability to purchase needed goods and services. Further, it is argued that (a) the relationship between economic problems and delinquency is nonlinear, such that only the experience of several economic problems is associated with higher delinquency, and (b) the relationship between SES and economic problems is only moderate in size. Data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents support these arguments. These data help explain the weak-to-moderate relationship between SES and delinquency, and they direct attention to economic problems as a potentially important cause of delinquency.

In this article I explore how the father-son relationship impacts both the nature and extent of homophobia in men, specifically the difference in homophobic feelings a father has for his gay son compared to the homophobic feelings a son has for his gay father. The effect of masculinity, specifically hegemonic masculinity, on homophobia in men is well-documented and my goal is to continue this further given the role that fathers play in socializing/constructing masculinity for their sons and the role that sons play in constructing/validating masculinity for their fathers. Through surveys and interviews, measures of masculinity and homophobia were investigated among 100 men, ultimately providing insight into masculinity, homophobia, and the relationship between the two.

The military provides a unique social environment given the organization and culture of the institution. Understanding substance use by those inside this institution provides insight into both the population as well as substance use in general. Using data collected from in-depth interviews, this article explores the nature and extent of substance use among a sample of current U.S. Army personnel. Additionally, possible interpretations of the cause of this substance use are explored and explained through the application of strain and social learning theories. Important findings include marijuana use (36% of sample) and steroid use (32% of sample).

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