liberation thesis

what is the liberation thesis?

• Adler

• as women gain more equality and liberation their involvement in crime will increase and the types of crime committed will become more similar to men

what did Adler argue about the gender gap in crime?

• it will narrow as social restrictions on women lessen

what did Descombe’s study show?

• 15-16 year old girls are adopting traditionally male attitudes of ‘looking hard’ or being able to cope with risk taking

• supports argument that female crimes are rising at a higher rate than males

what are some problems with the liberation thesis?

• prison population are 96% male

• female crime is mostly prostitution so still conforming to male hierarchy (Lind)

• changes in reporting crime may have increased female crime (minor crime sentences increased)