Why Do Men Commit Crime

Question 1

Messerschmidt

Answer 1

Masculinity is a social construct or accomplishment and men have to constantly work at presenting it to others. Different masculinities exist in society but hegemonic masculinity is the most dominant form. This is achieved through work in the paid labour market, the subordination of women, and heterosexism. Through committing crime men can acomplish this image of masculinity

Question 2

Evaluation of Messerschmidt

Answer 2

Thai does explain why not all men use crime to accomplish masculinity as some men achieve this without it

Question 3

Postmodernity, masculinity, and crime

Answer 3

Globalisation has led to a shift from a modern industrial society to a postmodern society. This has led to the loss of many traditional manual jobs where men can express their masculinity through physical labour and providing for their family. Windows study of bouncers found that it provided men with both paid work and opportunity for illegal business adventures.

Question 4

Evaluation of postmodernity, masculinity and crime

Answer 4

This shows how the expression of masculinity changes with the move from a modern to postmodern society

Question 5

Bodily capital

Answer 5

Due to postmodernity, an organised professional subculture has emerged becuase of new business opportunities found in the nighttime economy. Violence is not just a way of displaying masculinity but a commodity in which to earn a living. To maintain their reputation the men must use their bodily capital to win fights

Question 6

Evaluation of bodily capital

Answer 6

This shows how the expression of masculinity changes with the move from a modern to postemodern society creating new criminal opportunities for men to use violence to express masculinity