This study tested the hypothesis that male role models inhibit delinquent peer selection but not delinquent peer influence in adolescent boys, whereas female role models inhibit delinquent peer selection but not delinquent peer influence in adolescent girls. On analyzing longitudinal data from 425 boys and 425 girls, it was discovered that a role model index (1 = biological parent, 2 = other role model, 3 = no role model) correlated significantly with subsequent offending in both sexes. After controlling for the effects of age, race, parental marital status, and caregiver deviance, male and female versions of the role model index—male role model (MRM) and female role model (FRM)—predicted peer selection but not peer influence in boys and girls, respectively. These results suggest that same-sex role models are capable of protecting youth against peer selection but have little apparent impact on peer influence or socialization.