Why do women appear to commit less crime?

Question 1

The Chivalry Thesis

Answer 1

Women are treated more leniently by the CJS since most criminal agents act in a ‘chivalrous’ and protective way towards women, meaning they are less likely to be prosecuted or arrested.

Question 2

Evidence FOR

(Self-report studies and official statistics)

Answer 2

Self-report studies found that when individuals are asked about what crimes they have committed - the findings show that females are treated more leniently.

Question 3

Graham and Bowling

(Self-report studies and official statistics)

Answer 3

Did research on a sample of 1721 14-25 year olds and found that although males were more likely to offend, the difference was smaller than that recorded in the official statistics. (2.33 times compared with 4 times in statistics)

Question 4

Evidence FOR

(Women being cautioned rather than prosecuted)

Answer 4

Ministry of Justice (2009) - 49% of female offenders received a caution in 2007, male offenders 30%.

Question 5

Evidence FOR

(Hood)

Answer 5

Studied over 3000 defendants and found that women were about one third less likely to be jailed.

Question 6

Evidence AGAINST

(Farrington and Morris)

Answer 6

Study of sentencing of 408 offences of theft in a magistrates’ court and found women were not sentenced more leniently.

Question 7

Evidence AGAINST

(Buckle and Farrington)

Answer 7

Observational study of shoplifting - twice as many males shoplifting as females, however the numbers of male and female offenders in the statistics are equal. Shows women shoplifters may be more likely to be prosecuted.

Question 8

Evidence AGAINST

(Demonisation of Female Criminals)

Answer 8

Women are punished more harshly because they have broken the law but also gone against their expressive role, not being a good mother like they should be. They are punished not only by the CJS but also by the media and social stigma.