Gender and Crime

Question 1

Crime gender gap

Answer 1

Idea that males commit more crimes than females.

Question 2

Statistics

Answer 2

• Males 60x more likely to perform sex offences
• Males 8x more likely to posses weapons
• 75% convictions were male

Question 3

Why do statistics show women commit less crimes?

Answer 3

• Commit less detectable crimes
• Sex-role theory: more caring and less competitive
• Control of public sphere (e.g. Scared to walk alone at night, glass ceiling)
• Threat of losing reputation

Question 4

Carlen: class deal and gender deal

Answer 4

Class: material rewards from paid employment which allow comfortable life
Gender: non-material awards that come from fulfilling traditional gender roles with support from breadwinner

Question 5

Chivalry thesis

Answer 5

CJS treat women more leniently as they are seen as more vulnerable:

• First offending women 50% less likely to go to prison
• Less likely to be kept in custody
• Less of a threat so receive more cautions

Question 6

Functionalist/New Right theory

Answer 6

Sex-role theory

Question 7

Marxism: Connell and assertion of masculinity

Answer 7

Hegemonic masculinity: male identity defining what it means to be a ‘real man’; risk-taking, toughness, aggression, control, success and power. Lack ability to this legitimately e.g. Success in school, good job.

Question 8

Edgework

Answer 8

Individuals committing crimes for excitement and thrill they get from taking risks and living on edge as they explore boundries.