feminist theories of crime and deviance

WJEC essay plans for the feminist theories of crime and deviance

introduction

sociological theories have marginalised women by focusing on male offenders and victims. question gender bias in theories and research; how the CJS handles crime and deviance. some crimes are gender specific like rape and domestic violence.

liberal feminism and crime

emphasis on equality, women’s increasing participation in crime reflects their evolving roles and experiences in society. as women gain more social and economic freedoms, criminal opportunities increase. questions whether women are treated equally in the CJS, including whether female perpetrators are punished more harshly than men.

radical feminism and crime

root cause of female crime and victimisation is patriarchy. crimes of male power (sexual violence) are an expression of patriarchal control. demand changes in laws and greater societal recognition of crimes against women.

Marxist feminism and crime

intersection of gender and class, capitalist system exploits both women and the working-class. consider how female criminality stems from socio-economic disadvantage, and view domestic violence as rooted in class as much as gender. argue for a restructuring of both the economic and gender systems to achieve social justice.

postmodern feminism and crime

consider how gender identities are fluid and do not fit neatly into categories of ‘male’ and ‘female’. criticise mainstream theories for essentialising women as victims, and men as perpetrators. believe in creating individual narratives of crime and deviance rather than overarching theories.

evaluating feminist theories of crime and deviance

highlights gender bias in criminology and sociological theories. significant contributions to understandings and recognition of crimes such as DV.

criticism of feminist theories of crime and deviance

feminisation of poverty thesis (women becoming poorer relative to men), questions the relation between socio-economic equality and crime. overlook the impact of other forms of intersectionality, like race and ethnicity, on crime and deviance.