Gender And Crime - Sex Role Theory

Question 1

Liberal feminists

Answer 1

Gender role socialisation may have an impact on the criminality of males and females
Male norms eg. ‘Being tough’ and need to have power over women = criminal behaviour

Question 2

Parsons

Answer 2

Men = instrumental role and breadwinner
Women = expressive and housewife
Boys reject female role models
Turn to models of delinquency

Question 3

Cohen

Answer 3

Lack of adult male role = turn to all-male Street gangs - source of masculine identity

Question 4

New Right

Answer 4

Lone parents
Criminal street gangs
Murray

Question 5

Walklate - weakness

Answer 5

Biological assumptions
Though the theory tries to explain it in terms of behaviour learned through socialisation, it is ultimately based on biological assumptions about sex differences.

Question 6

Smart and Oakley - strength

Answer 6

Males socialised into aggressive, self-seeking and individualistic behaviour that may make them more inclined to take risks and commit criminal acts

Question 7

Messerschmidt

Answer 7

Boys in the UK are socialised into a powerful hegemonic masculine value system that stresses difference from femininity and the importance of being a ‘real man’

Question 8

Barak et al - strength

Answer 8

Women do not commit as much crime
Socialised into culture of femininity
Communality, cooperation, empathy and compassion