Gender - 10 Mark Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is one way gender influences patterns of offending?
Patriarchal control reduces women’s opportunities to commit crime, making them less likely to offend.
How does patriarchal control reduce female offending?
Heidensohn (1985) argues women are controlled in the home, in public, and at work, restricting time and freedom needed to commit crime.
What is a real-life example of this control?
Women may avoid public spaces at night due to fear of male violence, reducing opportunities for street crime.
Who is most affected by patriarchal social control?
Working-class women with traditional roles face strong patriarchal restrictions, especially in family and community life.
How does this help explain gender differences in crime?
It explains why women are underrepresented in official crime stats — they are more tightly controlled and socialised to conform.
What is another way gender affects offending?
Hegemonic masculinity encourages risky, aggressive behaviour, contributing to higher male offending rates.
How does masculinity relate to crime?
Messerschmidt (1993) argues some men use crime to ‘do masculinity’ when legitimate routes (like school or work) are blocked.
What’s a crime example linked to masculinity?
Knife crime and gang violence are often ways young men assert toughness, status, and control.
Who is most affected by this pressure to perform masculinity through crime?
Young, working-class men with limited success in education or employment may turn to crime for respect and identity.
How does this explain gender patterns in crime?
It helps explain why males dominate violent crime statistics — crime becomes a way to perform masculinity in marginalised groups.
