WEEK 3 Criminology theory: gendered perspective and Youth Violence

Question 1

Lombroso’s theory:

Answer 1

Women less likely to do to crime due to biological traits. how they look
Deviance attributed to inherent wickedness.
Critiques:
Lacks evidence, reinforces stereotypes, ignores social factors.
Contemporary view:
Considers social structures, gendered socialization, and individual agency.

Question 2

Psychoanalytical theory
by Sigmund Freud

Answer 2

Freud’s theory: Girls feel inferior without a penis, leading to subconscious trauma.
‘Normal’ women compensate by seeking male approval or engaging in feminine activities.
Those who can’t attract men may adopt masculine traits or turn to crime.
Freud links prostitution and female ‘sexual delinquency’ to these ideas.
His theories reinforce traditional gender roles and women’s perceived inferiority.

Question 3

Sex role theory posits:

Answer 3

Crime is symbolically masculine, driven by traits like daring and aggression.
Women conform more due to the unsuitability of crime for femininity.
Masculine traits in women may lead to criminal behavior.
Changing gender roles may explain increased female crime, like drug involvement.

Question 4

Labelling theory suggests:

Answer 4

Women are socialized to be sensitive to authority and societal opinions, potentially leading to lower rates of criminality compared to men.
The label of women as non-violent and law-abiding may reinforce this behavior.
Social reactions to deviance may discourage women from engaging in criminal behavior, contributing to their lower incidence of crime.

Question 5

what is a feminist criminology

Answer 5

examines gender’s role, challenges stereotypes, considers women’s experiences, and advocates for gender-sensitive approaches.

Question 6

Key directions and considerations for feminist criminology:

Answer 6

Intersectionality: Recognizing how gender intersects with other social identities.
Critique of Patriarchy: Analyzing patriarchal structures in crimes against women.
Social Context: Examining broader social factors influencing women’s crime.
Agency and Resistance: Highlighting women’s agency within oppressive systems.
Policy and Practice: Advocating for gender-sensitive approaches in criminal justice.

Question 7

Multiracial feminism in criminology:

Answer 7

Uses intersectional theory to link inequality and crime.
Examines how race, gender, and class affect crime experiences.
Critiques biases in the criminal justice system.
Focuses on power dynamics in defining crime.
Considers structural factors in criminal behavior.
Enriches understanding of crime through diverse identities.

Question 8

Key features

Answer 8

Social location: Determines access to power based on factors like race, gender, class.
Matrix of domination: Recognizes intersecting systems of oppression and privilege.
Access to institutional power: Influences opportunities and resources.
Perception of behavior: Impacts how actions are perceived and treated.
Social positioning: Groups positioned in power hierarchies.
Understanding relationships: Helps grasp how social variables intersect.

Question 9

Theoretical relevance of intersections:

Answer 9

Socialization: Different backgrounds shape engagement with crime.
Opportunities: Limited access to resources affects susceptibility to crime.
Bias: Systemic biases lead to unequal treatment.
Legal System Response: Treatment of offenders reflects social inequalities.