Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime (1990) stated that the key causal factor in general criminal activity was low self-control. Their position was in the relationship between gender, low self-control, and crime; those with low self-control had a need for immediate gratification, and those with low self-control had a higher likelihood of criminal activity. In this study, the understudied aspects of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s theory, the role of gender and the role of parental socialization on self-control across household types were explored, as well as a critique of the general theory by Miller and Burack’s (1993) and Hagan’s power-control theory. The study attempted to bridge the gap between theories and explain the gender-crime relationship. Data used for this study were collected from a random sample of adults (n=350) selected from the R.L. Polk Directory in Oklahoma City. Results indicated that while low self-control explained both male and female criminality, the effect of parenting on the development of low self-control was complex, with males and females differentially responding to parents’ control. Study limitations and recommendations are presented and discussed. References