Gender and Crime Flashcards
What is a notable feature of all the theories studied so far?
They don’t refer to gender
What do Abbott and Wallace argue?
Most sociology has traditionally been research on men and theories to explain male behaviour.
What is the pattern of gender and crime according to the official statistics?
- women commit relatively few crimes compared to men
- women are less likely to be arrested and sent to prison
- 8% of the total UK prison population is female
What is the chivalry argument?
Police and courts treat women more favourably than men and women can get away with more.
For example, when stopped by the police they are able to use femininity and cultural capital to talk their way out of minor offences.
How can Merton and Strain theory be applied to women?
Leonard argued women’s goals are more about successful relationships than making money, so the need to steal isn’t an issue. ‘Women have low aspirations and their goals are extremely accessible’.
How can labelling theory be applied to women?
Feminists argue labelling is a very important concept which can be used to explain why the police and courts treat men and women differently.
How does Alder explain the increase in female offending?
Female crime rate has increased because of women’s liberation. Since the 1960s women have entered the labour market and laws have been created to protect them from discrimination. Women compete with men and we’re becoming more like men in other ways e.g. smoking, drinking, sexual activity.
Alder argues another way women were copying men was an increase in criminal activity. Women are no longer afraid to be deviant and have more opportunities to commit crime.
How can Adler be criticised?
According to official statistics most female criminals are working class and these are least affected by women’s liberation.
If Adler’s analysis were correct, we would see an increase in crime by liberated middle class women.
How does Carlen explain female crime?
