Gender, Crime and Justice

Female Criminality

Neglected in criminology, often perceived as minor due to assumptions about women's criminal behavior.

Chivalry Thesis

The idea that the legal system is more lenient on women than men due to societal attitudes.

Heidensohn and Sivestri (2012)

Researchers who noted gender differences as the most significant feature of recorded crime.

Prosecution Bias

The phenomenon where women are less likely to be prosecuted or are treated more leniently in the legal system.

Violent Offences

Types of crimes where a higher proportion of male offenders are convicted, such as homicide.

Property Offences

Crimes related to theft or property, where females have a higher conviction rate than males.

Self-Report Studies

Research method that shows the discrepancy between official crime statistics and actual offending rates.

Buckle and Farrington Study

Research indicating that more males than females were observed shoplifting, suggesting prosecutorial bias.

Feminist Arguments Against Chivalry Thesis

Claims that courts exhibit double standards, punishing women harshly for nonconformity to gender roles.

Evidence Against Chivalry Thesis

Research suggesting that women are not treated more leniently by the legal system; rather, they may face harsher penalties under certain conditions.