Iranian Journal of Sociology

Abstract In the past decades, because of the importance of gender concept, Agnew's general strain theory (GST) has received a significant validity. According to this theory, the cause of gender differences in deviant behaviors is the strains that people experience in their lives. Besides, the cause of different behaviors between males and females drives from negative emotions such as anger and depression. This study aims to assess GST's ability in explaining deviant behaviors of students at Mazandaran University. With the use of stratified random sampling, 426 students are selected as the sample population and data is collected by using a questionnaire. The results of using of statistical tests, show that there is a significant difference in deviant behaviors (vandalism, theft, drug use, aggression and fraud) rate between males and females, but in experiencing negative emotions, there is not any significant difference between those two. The findings does not confirm hypotheses of Agnew's strain theory, however, they roughly confirm the hypotheses derived from strain on negative emotions. The reason why strain theory is not successful in explaining deviant behaviors is that there are some other factors such as strain and population characteristics and different social context that influence the behavior.

Abstract With the increase of computer-related deviant behaviors and formation of new crime, individuals and society have come across many threats. The current study tries to explain computer related offences among students of Mazandaran University, with the use of Akers' Social Learning Theory. Having done a survey, we distributed a questionnaire between 403 students whom had been selected by the use of proportional stratified sampling. The population was the whole students of the University in 2012-2013. Computer Offences variable consists of three dimensions: ‘against data & system’, ‘identity theft’ and ‘cultural’. Independent variables consists of differential association, differential reinforcement, definitions and imitation and their effects on computer offences are examined. Data is analyzed by “lisrel” and “Spss” software. The findings of SEM demonstrate that the relationships between differential association and differential reinforcement and computer-related offences are significant. The differential association, however, has the strongest effect on it (Beta= 0/41).

Abstract This study aims at testing the selected components of the Akers' social learning theory, in order to explain vandalism. It is conducted through survey method using the questionnaire. The sample consists of 392 students selected among the third high school students in Yasuj City, via the method of classified random sampling. The findings, according to subjects' responses, show that 94.9 percent. in a low rate, 4.6 percent on an average rate and 0.5 percent to a high degree, have engaged in vandal behaviors. The multiple regression analysis, indicates that among the six independent variables, the encouragement variable by the standardized regression effect coefficient (Þ= 0.303) is the strongest predictor of the vandal behaviors. The variables of reward, reinforcement balance, and reactions, are meaningful while the variables of deterrence, and cost, are not. Eventually, validity of the study is determined using method of content validity. The reliability of the study is assessed through the Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha to be at 91 percent