why do women commit less crime than men

Question 1

functionalist sex role theory

Answer 1

• women perform expressive role so girls have adult role models
• boys reject feminine models of behaviour, e.g. emotion
• mens instrumental role performed outside the home - so boys engage in compensatory compulsory masculinity, e.g. aggression
• to make up for absence of male role model

AO3: assumes women are biologically suited to caring role

Question 2

patriarchal control

Answer 2

• patriarchy controls women more by reducing their opportunities to offend
• womens role in housework and childcare, less time
• daughters adopt bedroom culture - limited to private sphere
• women controlled in public through fear of sexual violence
• subordination at work reduces opportunities - glass ceiling means less opportunity for white collar crime

AO3: less discrimination now so female crime rate has risen

Question 3

class and gender deals

Answer 3

• most convicted serious female criminals are WC
• women controlled by rewards in return for conforming to society’s rules
• WC women offered class and gender deals
• WC women dont have legitimate way of earning money, use crime to escape poverty

AO3: ignores free will in offending

Question 4

liberation thesis

Answer 4

• women become free from patriarchy, their offending will become similar to mens
• rise in female crime rate as opportunties for crime are more equal
• women adopt traditional male roles in both legitimate and illegitimate spheres

AO3: most female criminals are WC who are least influenced by women’s liberation, benefits MC more