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Graffiti vandalism: Frequency and context differences between the sexes

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Abstract

This paper explores a popular yet highly destructive form of property crime — graffiti vandalism. The localities of such destruction selected for study were male and female restrooms. Three hundred and ninety-two cases were collected and analyzed. Prior research theorized the existence of a significant difference in the amount of graffiti produced between the sexes. (It was believed that males produce more graffiti than females). Analysis, however, revealed equal production of graffiti by males and females.Content differences between the sexes were hypothesized. The content categories included homosexual, heterosexual, nonsexual (humorous and political statements) and racial graffiti. The findings as they relate to content differences between the sexes are presented and discussed relative to sex-role socialization theory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Criminal Justice, Univ. of North Carolina, USA

    Robert Eugene Little

  2. Department of Sociology, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., USA

    Mary Ann Sheble

Authors
  1. Robert Eugene Little
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  2. Mary Ann Sheble
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Little, R.E., Sheble, M.A. Graffiti vandalism: Frequency and context differences between the sexes. AJCJ 11, 217–226 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02885658

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02885658

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