Topic 5 - patterns of crime and gender Flashcards
Introduction?
Crime conviction data shows that criminals are predominantly male. As of January 2015, less than 5% of UK prisoners were female, a trend seen globally. Serious crimes are typically associated with masculinity, while women are more likely to be convicted of minor crimes. Despite this, 75% of convictions for minor crimes are still male.
Official statistics gender and crime?
Women slightly outnumber men in the general population due to longer life expectancy. If men and women were treated equally, we’d expect equal representation in official statistics, including among police officers, lawyers, judges, and prisoners. However, women are underrepresented in the criminal justice system and less likely to be imprisoned, with 95% of the prison population male.
Despite public concerns about rising female crime, Home Office data (2015) shows that crime rates are falling for both genders, with a faster decline for women. In 2013, 25% of court proceedings involved female defendants, and conviction rates were similar for both genders. Men were more likely to commit repeat offenses (86%), suggesting they not only commit more crime but also repeat it more often. Additionally, male offenders, particularly for motoring offenses, were more likely to receive immediate custodial sentences and longer sentences.
Social characteristics of male and female offenders?
Women are more likely to be convicted of theft, dishonesty, and fraud, but still less likely to be convicted than men. Female offenders often have mitigating factors, such as showing remorse, being young, having caregiving duties, or experiencing mental health issues.
79% of women, compared to 58% of men, believe sentences should consider personal circumstances like remorse, mental illness, or job loss. While men are generally more likely to be on benefits, women offenders are more likely to be benefit-dependent due to lower average incomes. Mental health issues are common among all offenders, but women in prison are more likely to self-harm, while male self-harm often leads to hospitalization.
Gender and Victimisation data?
The Crime Survey of England and Wales (2013-2014) showed that men were slightly more likely to be victims of personal crime than women, with higher rates of violence, especially among young men. While men were often victimized by strangers, acquaintances, or friends, women were more likely to be victimized by partners or ex-partners, with a higher incidence of domestic abuse. A quarter of women experienced family abuse by age 16, and women were seven times more likely than men to report sexual assault. Women made up 30% of murder victims, with stabbing being the leading cause of death for both genders.
