Research has previously shown that
differences in cultural and social capital can have repercussions
in areas as diverse as use of language by the time children enter school, preferential access to grammar and faith schools, the type of characteristics parents value when choosing schools, the kind of studies children undertake and their access to more prestigious universities, or even the adoption of cultural practices linked to
substantial cognitive gains like reading for pleasure.
Notwithstanding these gender - specific risk and protective factors,
in most cases, the same factors — ADHD, negative temperament, impulsivity, compromised intelligence — predict antisocial behavior
in both males and females, as suggested by the
substantial overlap shown
in figure 4.99 Although some analysts have argued the need to concentrate on the commonalities
in predictors of male and female offending, it is also important to note the
areas in which risk factors differ by gender.100 Even if the
differences between male and female offenders are confined to only a few key
areas, the
differences in these
areas — for example, sensitivity to victimization, timing of onset of persistent offending, prevalence of mental health problems — can be
substantial and can profoundly influence the effectiveness of risk assessments and treatment programs.