It was hypothesized that the effects of the contextual variables Socioeconomic Disadvantage (SED) and Maternal Antisocial Qualities (MAQ) on Antisocial Behavior Problems (ABP) in boys would be mediated through their disrupting effect on parenting practices. Socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers had less effective discipline, and their sons were at greater risk for antisocial behavior problems. With older boys, mothers with antisocial qualities placed their sons at risk for antisocial behavior problems because of disrupted parenting practices. Socioeconomic disadvantage had no impact on parenting or antisocial behavior problem constructs.