Feminist approaches to the problem of crime and masculinity

What percentage of offenders are female?

20%.

Why does most sociology focus on male crime?

Because men commit more crime and sociological traditions were developed by men focusing on male experiences.

Why are women less likely to commit crime, according to traditional views?

Because women are socialised to be caring, nurturing, and good role models.

What does the liberationist perspective suggest about women and crime?

That as women adopt more masculine values, their crime rates increase.

What percentage of women receive a prison sentence for their first crime compared to men?

34% of women versus 10% of men.

How is crime linked to masculinity according to theorists?

It is associated with masculine traits such as risk-taking, aggression, and the pursuit of excitement.

Who argued that risk-taking and excitement are elements of masculinity that lead to crime?

Katz.

How have economic changes affected male crime rates?

Job loss and economic insecurity have led to male frustration, resulting in higher crime.

What did Heidensohn (1989) argue about women’s crime?

That it has been neglected because women commit fewer and less serious crimes, and sociology has been male-dominated.

According to Oakley, how are males and females socialised differently?

Males are socialised into aggression and self-interest, while females are taught caring and tenderness.

What does Heidensohn’s (2002) social control theory explain?

Why women commit fewer crimes due to social control in the home, public spaces, and workplace.

According to Heidensohn (2002), what are the three main areas of female social control?

The home, public (especially at night), and the workplace.

Who supported Heidensohn’s theory with research on parental control of girls?

Smart.

What did Carlen (1988) argue about why women commit crime?

That women commit crime when they fail in both the workplace and family roles.

What did Stanko argue about domestic violence?

That it reflects patriarchal control and the government’s failure to address violence against women.

What does Stanko say society needs to address women’s victimisation?

A feminist criminology that tackles patriarchy and gendered violence.

What are the three motivations for female crime according to Croall (2008)?

A drug habit, the excitement of crime, and conspicuous consumption (designer goods).

How does Katz’s theory link to Croall’s findings?

Katz’s idea of “the thrill of crime” relates to the excitement factor in female offending.

What is Adler’s (1975) Liberation Theory?

As society becomes less patriarchal and women gain equality, female crime rates will rise.

What evidence supports Adler’s Liberation Theory?

A Demos (2000) survey found 1 in 8 women aged 18–24 considered physical violence acceptable.

What did Pollak (1950) argue about women and crime statistics?

They reflect judicial leniency and the ability of women to conceal crime.

Why did Pollak believe women’s crimes were hidden?

Because their domestic roles conceal offences and they are socialised to deceive men.

What is a key criticism of feminist criminology from Pollak’s perspective?

That women may be treated more leniently by the justice system and are skilled at hiding crime.

What did Messerschmidt (1993) argue about masculinity and crime?

That a normative masculinity exists where men who can’t express power through work show it through violence in the home or on the streets.

How does Messerschmidt explain male violence?

As a way for men to assert dominance and achieve masculine status when other means (like work) are unavailable.

What did Winlow (2001) argue about de-industrialisation and masculinity?

That the decline of manual labour in the north east, along with globalisation, reshaped masculinity and led men to express it through crime.

According to Winlow (2001), how did some men respond to de-industrialisation?

By becoming bouncers, engaging in drug dealing, and forming protection rackets.

What theoretical framework do Katz and Lyng use to explain male crime?

A postmodernist framework.

What does Katz argue about crime?

That crime can be motivated by thrill-seeking behaviour and emotional excitement.

What is “edgework” according to Lyng?

Voluntarily taking risks and pushing boundaries for excitement and control, which helps explain male involvement in crime.