Topic 16 - Feminism Flashcards
Feminism?
Feminism views women as victims of patriarchy and male control in society, focusing on how women interact with the Criminal Justice System (CJS), both as victims and offenders. Studies show that men are more likely to be convicted than women, raising the question of whether this is due to higher criminality in men. While some sociologists believe women are treated more leniently, feminists argue that masculinity is a societal issue that encourages criminality in young men.
What is Feminism?
Feminism encompasses a range of theories, all based on the belief that society is male-dominated (patriarchy), which enforces rules that subordinate women. Feminist sociologists challenge the male-dominated perspective in traditional thinking and sociology. When studying crime, feminists note lower conviction rates for women, their lesser involvement in violent crime, and higher rates of victimization, particularly in domestic abuse. Two explanations emerge: women commit as much crime as men but are treated more leniently by the CJS, or women commit less crime, with masculinity posing a social problem. Evidence isn’t clear, but self-report studies suggest men commit more crime, with women possibly concealing it or being treated more kindly by the legal system
Feminists responses to chivalry thesis
The chivalry thesis suggests that men protect women in society, which may lead to women being treated more leniently by the criminal justice system. Pollack (1950) argued that women use traditional sex roles and deceit to gain advantage, and that male police officers and magistrates protect them. Allen (1989) and Farrington & Morris (1983) found some evidence supporting this thesis, with women receiving lighter sentences for certain crimes. However, feminists criticize the thesis, claiming it reflects male-dominated thinking. Smart (1976) suggested a double standard exists in courts, where women who deviate from gender norms are harshly punished. Carlen (1993) and Heidensohn (1985) argued that the chivalry thesis perpetuates gender stereotypes and ignores the differences in crime types and severity committed by men and women.
Frieda Adler on women;s liberation
Frieda Adler (1970s) argued that the rise in female crime, though small compared to male crime convictions, was linked to feminism. She suggested that as women sought equal opportunities in the workplace, they also sought equal opportunities to commit white-collar crime. While there is evidence of increased female participation in middle-class crime, it is debatable whether this reflects changing female attitudes.
Denscombe + ladette culture?
Denscombe (2001) found that young women were adopting riskier behaviors traditionally associated with men, such as excessive drinking and violence, leading to more arrests. This shift, called “ladette culture,” was seen as a response to traditional gender roles. Slack (2009) reported that girls under 18 committed 58,000 crimes, though the chivalry thesis questions the reliability and validity of such data on female crime.
Heidensohn + patriarchal control?
Heidensohn argues that women commit fewer crimes due to patriarchal control, which limits their opportunities and incentives to offend. This control manifests in three areas:
Domestic control: Women are restricted by household responsibilities and less freedom, limiting opportunities to commit crimes.
Control in public spaces: Fear of sexual violence and societal expectations of respectability restrict women’s movement in public, with men often intimidating them.
Employment control: Women are less likely to hold high-responsibility jobs, reducing their opportunities for white-collar crimes like fraud.
Carlen - women + the crime of the powerlesss
Carlen (1986) argued that women typically do not commit crimes, as they accept the rewards of conforming to social norms. She identified two “deals” women expect: the gender deal, where women seek respectability and support from a partner, and the class deal, where working-class women expect good earnings from employment. Carlen studied female offenders and found many were victims of abuse, not benefiting from either deal. She suggested women turned to crime as a rational response to poverty and powerlessness. Women in crime were doubly victimized by the criminal justice system, especially those convicted of sexual offences or involved in male-dominated gangs. Research supports that early victimization leads many women to crime, with mental health issues and victimization being common in female prisoners.
Assessments to feminism?
Traditional crime theories mainly focus on why men commit crime, offering little insight into female offending. Feminism highlights the problem of male criminal behavior, as men are more involved in crime and violence. However, feminist theories often overlook the impact of class and ethnicity and focus mainly on female offending patterns and experiences within the criminal justice system. By framing women as victims of society, feminism may overlook cases where female crime is not justified by gender or victimization. Police data, such as arrests for domestic violence, suggest that women are also offenders, challenging the chivalry thesis and showing that female criminals are often demonized more than their male counterparts.
