Topic 5 - Gender and Crime Flashcards
What % of those convicted for more serious crimes men?
85%
How many times more likely are men to commit sex offences and robberies than women?
60
14
What did Otto Pollak say about official statistics?
They seriously underestimate female criminality
What thesis does Otto Pollak use to explain the statistics?
The Chivalry thesis - men are taught to be more chivalrous towards women and therefore are treated more leniently.
Evidence to support chivalry thesis
2006 crime survey - the difference is much smaller than seen in official stats
Evidence challenging the chivalry thesis
Although stats under-represent female criminality, in virtually every category male offenders significantly outnumber female offenders
3 reasons why there is a gender gap in criminality
Biological theories
Functionalists sex role theory
Control theory (Feminism)
What does Heidensohn argue about male-dominated societies
They control women more effectively than they do men making it more difficult for women to break the law
How are women controlled? (Control theory)
Housewives - Home
Having to hold a good reputation - Public
Male superiors at work control - Work
What is the functionalist sex role theory?
Primary and secondary socialisation is key for shaping boys and girls involvement in criminal behaviour
What does Connell argue about masculinity?
There is a hegemonic masculinity associated with the traditional masculine imagine in the world
How do w/c show their masculinity compared to m/c?
They cannot achieve academically to gain masculinity so instead turn to physical aggressions and crime to show it.
Links to Paul Willis lads
How do Lyng and Katz explain m/c crime?
Crime can be exhilarating for m/c men and a way to express their masculinity
How can Lyng and Katz link to Dobash and Dobash?
Due to the fact m/c men find crime thrill-seeking, it could explain why they commit domestic violence and rape.
How does Simon Winlow’s study of the bouncers in Sunderland show masculinity?
Messerschmidt argues that Winlows bouncers use violence and control to assert masculinity in tough economic conditions.
