Wilson and daly detroit (1985)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To examine age and gender patterns in crimes of violence

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Analyse the data from police crime records at one point in time (snapshot)

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

The study reviewed the records of homicidal crimes in detroit in 1972.
Age and gender of perpetrators and victims were analysed.
The data was then categorised into different types of homicidal crimes

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

Homicides were mainly committed by young unmarried males
Most homicides concerned social conflict such as retaliation, showing off or jealousy
Males also more likely to escalate trivial altercations where there is potential ‘loss of face’ in front of other competing males or potential female partners
Most homicide victims were young unmarried males
Daredevilry or gambling were mainly masculine pursuits facilitated by the prescence of peers pursuing the same goals

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

The fact that most homicides concerned social conflict and that most perpetrators and victims were young unmarried males could be explained by social status
Findings therefore support an evolutionary explanation for higher levels of crime in males than females