Gender and Crime

Question 1

Give 6 points in regards to gender and crime

Answer 1

• Statistics on offending may be unreliable
• Sex role theory - men and women are taught to occupy different roles
• Chivalry thesis - men feel like they have to protect women and can’t prosecute them
• Status frustration - looking for status as crime is enjoyable
• Double deviance and secondary victimisation
• Liberation thesis - as women are liberated their crimes will become as frequent and serious as mens

Question 2

Give an example of how statistics may be unreliable and conflicting evidence

Answer 2

Men are 3x more likely to be taken to court and convicted. They make up 95% of prisoners

Roe and Asle - Self report in which 17% of women admitted to committing crime and 26% of men

Question 3

Give an example of sex role theory and conflicting evidence

Answer 3

Men - taught to be instrumental and aggressive

Reductionist - presumes all women are best suited to the expressive role

Question 4

Give an example of chivalry thesis and conflicting evidence

Answer 4

First time female offenders are half as likely to be given a sentence of immediate imprisonment

Women usually commit less serious offences

Question 5

Give an example of status frustration and conflicting evidence

Answer 5

Bouncers took jobs in Sunderland because it’s an attractive job

Toughest Girl Gangs - They joined gangs for the thrill and enjoyment

Question 6

Give an example of double deviance/secondary victimisation and supporting evidence

Answer 6

The Mad and the Bad Theory - Women are more likely to be penalised for crimes such as child abuse

Victim blaming - women usually have to prove their modesty in cases of rape

Question 7

Give an example of liberation thesis and conflicting evidence

Answer 7

Equal Pay Act - liberated women

Women often more likely to commit crime to protect family etc.