Why do women commit less crime than men?

Question 1

Functionalist sex role theory

Answer 1

Parsons (1955) - performing the expressive role means women stay at home so they have less chance to commit crime whereas men’s instrumental role is performed largely outside the home.
Since boys have this absence of a male role model and reject feminine models of behaviour, they take part in antisocial, deviant behaviour outside the home.

Question 2

Cohen

(Functionalist sex role theory)

Answer 2

Argues the lack of a male role model at home means boys find their masculine identity through engaging in all-male delinquent street gangs.

Question 3

Murray (Right Realists)

(Functionalist sex role theory)

Answer 3

Argue that matrifocal lone parent families lead to delinquency.

Question 4

Functionalist sex role theory - AO3

Answer 4

• Feminists criticise functionalist explanations for ignoring the role of patriarchy in creating gender differences in patterns of offending.
• Walklate (2003) criticises Parsons for assuming that women are biologically suited to the caring role. Thus his explanation for crime patterns is based on assumptions made about biology.

Question 5

Patriarchal control

Answer 5

Heidensohn (1985) - women are controlled in all aspects of their life, (in the home, in public and at work) which reduces their opportunities to offend.

Question 6

Patriarchal control - AO3

Answer 6

• The Liberation thesis argue now women have become liberated from patricarchy so their offending has now become similar to men’s - opportunities now more equal.
• Liberal Feminists highlight that 67% of women are now working, meaning they aren’t being restricted at home performing the expressive role.