An examination of masculinity and delinquency as psychosocial factors underlying the risky road use behaviour of young male offenders

Abstract

There is considerable evidence confirming the predominance of young males in traffic injury. Despite this, gender has not been considered a significant factor in road safety education efforts and the road use behaviour of males has not been targeted. A subgroup of young males, namely at-risk youth, have traditionally been excluded from road safety education initiatives as these boys typically have poor school histories where current road safety education efforts are directed. This research will address this existing gap in road safety education and research by examining the gendered nature of risky road use behaviour by young male offenders. This research will examine the core concepts of masculinity and delinquency in a number of focus groups with young male offenders and associated agency staff. These groups will explore how these young men discuss, describe and consider issues of risky road use, their perceptions of masculinity and the relationship, if any, between their perceptions and their subsequent road use behaviours.