Reasons for male criminality: Flashcards
What is toxic masculinity and how does it explain crime?
“TOXIC masculinity” might be responsible for an increase in violence among young men, investigators believe. The term refers to behaviours and attitudes commonly associated with men - such as the need to repress emotions during stressful situations and to act in an aggressively dominant way. There are significantly more males in young offenders’ institutes and pupil referral units in Greater Manchester than females. A study looking into a rise in aggressive crime in the region has shone a spotlight on the issue and the link with toxic masculinity. After interviewing 350 people across the region it concluded that young men and boys are being told more than ever that “retaliation is a strength and emotions other than aggression are feminine”. This was tied to communication over social media and an increased pressure to portray a particular image. Phrases that came up include young men commonly being told “don’t cry”, “act tough” and “don’t be a p**”. It is believed this can create peer pressure on some youths to get involved in crime, carry weapons or act in an overly aggressive manner towards other people. One anonymous Bolton youth worker said: “There are so many images of people with BMWs and a vodka bottle with fire on it on holiday, like they have made it. “But that is not the reality behind the screen and it just creates so much pressure.” The examples suggested a lot of fights among these young people were triggered by relatively small things, including just comments or a look and several teachers told the investigation that some pupils lacked education on conflict resolution. One explained: “Lots of children grow up with an ill-advised perception of how to stand up for what they believe in. Education on resolving conflict and how to walk away is very important.”
How does sex role theory explain why men commit crime?
Men have to be seen as aggressive and protect their family so turn to violence as a result of suppressed emotions to ensure that they are a man so turn to violent crime
The assertation of masculinity
Connell (2005) suggests that hegemonic masculinity has become a male gender identity.
Hegemonic masculinity is a term used to define what it is ‘to be a real man’. They must work in the paid-labour market, subordinate women and be heterosexual.
It is so dominant, that men who do not conform to it or men who are unable to achieve it (men who have a ‘subordinate masculinity’) are seen as ‘odd’ or abnormal and may receive threats and intimidation from other men.
How does hemogonic masculinity reinforce crimes?
Hegemonic Masculinity reinforces toughness, aggression, competitiveness, risk taking, being in control, success and power over women.
This can be used to explain the gender pattern in crime – i.e. men commit more violent crimes than women due to their gender identity requiring men to act this way.
The assertation of masculinity - Messerschmidt
He argues men turn to crime and violence as a means of asserting their masculinity when legitimate means of accomplishing masculinity are blocked (financial success).
Crime for these men is seen as a ‘masculine-validating resource’
Why do white middle class youths commit crime according to Messerschmidt?
They have to subordinate themselves to teachers in order to achieve middle-class status, leading to an accommodating masculinity in school. Outside of school their masculinity takes and oppositional form, for example through drinking, drug taking, and vandalism.
Why do white working class youths commit crime according to Messerschmidt?
They may have fewer expectations of a reasonable job and may use gang membership and violence to express their masculinity, or turn to serious property crime to achieve material status.
Why do black working class youths commit crime according to Messerschmidt?
They have less chance of educational success, so their masculinity is oppositional both in and out of school. It is constructed around sexist attitudes, being tough and opposing teacher’s authority. The ‘lads’ in Willis’ study are a good example of this type of masculinity
evaluate Messerschmidts view
Useful for explaining working class male crime – specifically crime that is located in violence, theft, risk-taking and anti-social behaviour (associated with hegemonic masculinity).
Paul Willis’ study
Miller – masculinity was a focal concern for WC deviant subcultures.
Is this an explanation of male crime or just a description of male criminals!?
Doesn’t explain why not all men use crime to accomplish masculinity.
He over exaggerates the use of masculinity for explaining male crime – from vandalism to embezzlement.
How does labelling explain male criminality?
agressive, tough, providers
hegemonic masculinity > labelling > master status > self fulfilling prophecy > criminal behaviour
Men are often stereotyped as being more violent than women which can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy on how they should behave. Additionally, men are labelled as providers for the family and may turn to crime in order to do this.
Evaluate labeling as an explanation for male criminality:
Not all men a criminal.
Rise of the symmetrical family and women in the world of work
How is this a limitation of labelling theory as an explanation of male crime?
means that men are no longer seen as the sole providers for family.
Males have more opportunity:
Men have more opportunity to commit crime both blue collar and white-collar crime. Men are more likely to be in situations that can lead to violent action and have access to commit white collar crime.
- more free time
- less social control
- more positions of responsibility
