Chivalry Thesis

Question 1

What is Pollak argument?

Answer 1

• official stats underestimate female criminality
• argues women were more likely involved in than men in crimes that are likely to be reported detected
• women are better at deception than men
• women are treated more leniently by the police as they tend to be more male dominated = leading to his idea of the chivalry thesis

Question 2

What is the chivarly thesis?

Answer 2

• men are socialised to act chivalrous towards women = meaning that treat them leniently when it comes to crime

Question 3

Evidence for the chivalry thesis?

Answer 3

• women less likely to be remanded in custody = 1% females and 5% males
• women less likely to be given custodial sentences = 15% females and 28% males

Question 4

Evidence against the chivalry thesis?

Answer 4

• women in custody has increased = 68% 1997 and 2008 and for men only increased by 35%
• women remanded in custody have committed relatively minor crimes = 41% accused of theft and handing