Wilson and Daly- Gender

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To examine gender and age patterns in crimes of violence

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Analysis of data from police crime records at one point in time (snap-shot)

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

The study revciewed the records of ho,icidal crimes in Detroit in 1972. Age and sex of perpetrators and victims were analysed. The data was categorised into various type of homicidal crimes.

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

Homicides usually committed my young unmarried men (422 men 90 women) and victims
Most homicides due to retaliation, showing off and jealousy
Usually esculate when potential ‘lossof face’ in front of rival males or potential female partners

Question 5

Conclusions

Answer 5

Fact that most homicides concerned social conflict and perpetrators and most victims young unmarrried males could be explained by status competition.
Therefore findings support evolutionary explanation for higher levels of crime in males than females

Question 6

Background

Answer 6

Trivers

Evolutionary theory: in most species male reproductive success is based on competition for a mate

Done By showing off and fighting for territory and status with other males

Evolutionary psychologists argue men tend to be more risk taking and violent than females as they have inherited these traits

At the same time females have evolved to be attracted to risk takers as males displaying willingness to take risks in competition for food etc