Gender, Crime and Justice

Question 1

What proportion of convicted offenders are male?

Answer 1

80% or four‐fifths.

Question 2

Suggest two ways in which ‘chivalry’ might operate in the treatment of females by the law.

Answer 2

Women are more likely than men to be cautioned rather than prosecuted; less likely to be sent
to jail; less likely to be arrested.

Question 3

Suggest two ways in which females may be treated more harshly by the criminal justice system.

Answer 3

Girls are more likely to be put into care because of sexual activity; women can be punished more
harshly if they do not fit the stereotypical gender role; women victims in rape trials are likely to
be blamed.

Question 4

How does Sex Role Theory account for gender differences in offending?

Answer 4

It assumes that women are socialised into an expressive role and expected to be gentle and
nurturing – qualities not usually associated with criminality – and that men are prepared for an
instrumental role and expected to be tough and sometimes aggressive – qualities that may lead
to trouble with the law.

Question 5

According to Heidensohn, in what three areas are women controlled?

Answer 5

At home, in public and at work.

Question 6

According to Carlen, in what ways may lower-class women miss out on both gender and class deals?

Answer 6

They may lack a satisfactory relationship and family situation, and may lack a legitimate means
of earning a decent living (e.g. through lack of educational opportunity).

Question 7

Suggest two criticisms of the liberation thesis.

Answer 7

The rise in the female crime rate precedes the women’s liberation movement; ‘liberated’
middle‐class women are less likely to be criminal, not more; women still do not often have
access to a criminal opportunity structure.

Question 8

Explain what is meant by ‘Net Widening’ in relation to female offending.

Answer 8

It refers to arresting and prosecuting females for less serious crimes than previously.

Question 9

According to Messerschmidt, what type of masculinity do white middle-class youths typically adopt?

Answer 9

Accommodating masculinity.

Question 10

Messerschmidt is said to ‘overwork the concept of masculinity’. Explain what this means?

Answer 10

He over‐uses it, attempting to make it explain many widely different types of crime.