Gender and crime (men)

Question 1

What is Sex-Role Theory?

Answer 1

Men are socialised into the “instrumental role” (Functionalism)
Claims this gives men some incentive to commit criminal and deviant acts to provide for their family
This crime is natural and can be considered part of the “male sex-role” inventory

Question 2

What is the Masculinity Thesis (Connell, 1987)?

Answer 2

Men who want to succeed need to show “masculine” traits to gain approval from other men.
When men can’t succeed through legal means, they’re more prone to turn to crime due to socialisation
Men who are unsuccessful might also turn to violence or threats as a way to assert their masculinity
Male role models in the media are often violent, deviant and competitive

Question 3

What is Rational Choice Theory in this context?

Answer 3

Criminals know what they’re doing, realise it’s wrong, and choose to do it regardless
This might apply more to men because they have less to lose socially if they’re caught

Question 4

What is Opportunity Theory in this context?

Answer 4

People choose to commit crime only when there’s a good cost/benefit opportunity or it’s easy
Men might have more opportunity because they’re more often out at night, less tied to traditional families and less closely supervised in society