11- Gender & Crime

What is the gendered nature of crime?

Crime is historically and culturally variable, with responses to crime also being gendered; laws have traditionally regulated men and women differently.

What are the key patterns of female and male offending?

Men commit the majority of crimes, with significant gender differences; by age 46, 33% of males and 9% of females have a conviction.

What are the common reasons for women's offending according to Caddle & Crisp (1997)?

Common reasons include no money (54%), wrong crowd (46%), need to support children (38%), drugs/alcohol (35%), family problems (33%), and no job (33%).

What is the Chivalry Thesis?

The Chivalry Thesis posits that women are treated more leniently by the criminal justice system, with courts being more tolerant of female offending.

What is the Double Deviance/Harshness Thesis?

This thesis suggests that women are punished more harshly when they violate gender norms, with courts often 'sexualising' female delinquency.

What percentage of the prison population do women represent?

Women represent approximately 4% of the prison population.

What are the characteristics of female prisoners?

29% are from ethnic minorities, 25% are lone parents, 66% have children, and there are high levels of trauma, with 50% reporting abuse.

What are Mother and Baby Units (MBUs)?

Facilities that allow infants to stay with their mothers in prison for up to 18 months, though controversial due to concerns about child development.

What are the common victimization patterns for men and women?

Men are more likely to be victims of personal crime, while women are more likely to experience theft, violence by someone they know, and domestic and sexual violence.

What is the attrition rate in rape cases?

High attrition; only 5-6% of reported rape cases result in conviction, often due to victim withdrawal and evidential difficulties.