Chivalry thesis Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is the chivalry thesis in sociology?
The chivalry thesis argues that women are treated more leniently than men by the criminal justice system because of paternalistic and protective attitudes held by male-dominated institutions. Pollak (1950) suggested that men have been socialised to protect women, leading to underreporting, under-prosecution, and lighter sentencing for female offenders.
How does Carlen’s work challenge the chivalry thesis?
Carlen (1997) found that women are sentenced not only based on the crime but on their conformity to gender roles — especially as mothers. Women who failed to live up to these expectations were punished more harshly. This shows the CJS reinforces gender norms rather than acting protectively.
How does Heidensohn explain the CJS being harsher on women?
Heidensohn (1985) argued that the CJS punishes women who deviate from traditional femininity more harshly — especially sexually promiscuous or violent women. These women are ‘doubly deviant’ because they defy both legal and gender norms, contradicting the idea of leniency.
How do Walklate and Alder critique the fairness of trials involving women?
Walklate (1998) showed that in rape cases, women often have to prove their respectability for their testimony to be believed, shifting focus from the male offender to the female victim. Alder (1987) added that women who lack social respectability, such as teenage mothers, are often discredited in court.
What does Box’s research suggest about gendered treatment by the courts?
Box (1981) analysed serious offences and found no strong evidence that women receive lighter treatment. Similarly, Farrington & Morris (1983) found that when controlling for severity, gender differences in sentencing disappeared. This suggests chivalry may be more myth than reality.
How do self-report and cautioning data support chivalry claims?
Home Office (1999) found that 47% of women were cautioned vs 30.1% of men. Campbell (1981) found girls were more likely to be cautioned than boys. Ministry of Justice (2007) also found 49% of female offenders received cautions, compared to 30% of male offenders.
How does Pollak explain the underrepresentation of female crime?
Pollak (1950) argued that women commit just as much crime as men but are less likely to be caught, reported, or prosecuted due to protective attitudes among police and courts. This idea is supported by Flood-Page et al. (2000), who found women self-report more crime than official stats suggest.
How do crime types committed by women support the chivalry thesis?
Allen (1987) found that in cases of motoring offences, women were more likely to receive fines rather than prison. Less serious crimes like shoplifting also result in informal handling. Police focus on ‘typical delinquents’ (usually male), meaning women may be less scrutinised or pursued.
