Feminist

Feminist Perspectives on Gender and Crime

Introduction

• Loraine Gelsthorpe explores feminist concerns in criminology.

• Claims of feminism being outmoded and unpopular; nevertheless, feminist perspectives are crucial in criminology.

• Diverse feminist perspectives exist: liberal, radical, socialist, Marxist, etc. (Walklate, 2001).

• Acknowledgment of feminists’ normative commitment to addressing women’s subordination and promoting anti-discriminatory practices within criminal justice.

Need for Feminist Perspectives in Criminology

• Neglect of Women: Criminology historically dominated by men, often ignoring women’s experiences and perspectives.

  • Analysis lacks depth without women's contributions.

  • Previous studies focus heavily on men's experiences, sidelining women's roles.

• Stereotypical Representations: When women are acknowledged, they are often depicted in stereotypical and abnormal ways.

  • Women's offending is linked to supposed biological and psychological nature (Smart, 1976).

  • A shift in approach is necessary: deconstruct and reconstruct criminological frameworks.

Contributions of Feminists to Criminology

• Feminist scholars highlight the male-centric nature of criminology, indicating that existing theories often fail to account for women:

  • Criminology largely represents a "criminology of men".

  • Theories developed from male subjects and then generalized to include women without validation.

• Critiques of Female Offenders: Feminist work critiques the understanding of female offenders and the institutionalized sexism in criminological theory:

  • Court practices often reflect a misunderstanding of sentencing in relation to gender roles.

  • Women perceived as ‘doubly deviant’ when they don't fit traditional roles (e.g., good wife, mother).

• Visibility of Female Victims: Feminist research has increased visibility for female victims, particularly in cases of sexual assault.

  • Uncovers the harsh realities faced by women reporting abuse, such as scepticism from justice personnel.

• Fear of Crime: Women's fear of crime primarily pertains to men and shapes their social interactions in public spaces.

• Social Control: Exploration of women's roles in both formal and informal forms of social control and the implications thereof.

Developments in Masculinity Theory

• Feminist work has also influenced masculinity studies, addressing male-perpetrated crimes:

  • Investigates what aspects of masculinity drive criminal behavior (Grosz, 1987).

• The necessity to understand how social constructs of masculinity are linked to crime and violence against women.

Practical Engagement and Policy Impact

• Feminist influences seen in legal reforms, educational programs on domestic violence, and improved police responses to women in distress.

  • Efforts noted in initiatives like the Home Office review of sexual offences and collaborations with NGOs like the Fawcett Society.

• Research Methodologies: Feminists advocate for methodologies that prioritize women's experiences.

  • Emphasize the importance of allowing women to speak for themselves in research contexts.

Future Challenges for Feminist Criminology

• Need for further exploration of women's agency in criminal behavior alongside prevailing narratives of victimization.

• Addressing intersections of gender, race, and other factors affecting crime and justice.

  • Reflect on whether the discourse should continue under a feminist framework or evolve into a broader, inclusive criminology.

• Anticipation of a new humanistic criminology that integrates diverse social dimensions.

Conclusion

• Feminist perspectives are vital in making women count in discussions of gender, crime, and justice.

• Continued exploration and critique of gender assumptions will enhance understanding within criminology.

References

• Gelsthorpe, L. (2002) "Feminism and Criminology" in Maguire, M., Morgan, R., & Reiner, R. (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Criminology, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• Chesney-Lind, M. (1997). The Female Offender. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage.

• Grosz, E. (1987). "Feminist theory and the challenge to knowledge", Women's Studies International Forum, 10/5:208-217.

• Scraton, P. (1990). "Scientific knowledge or masculine discourses?" In Gelsthorpe, L. & Morris, A. (Eds.), Feminist Perspectives in Criminology. Buckingham: Open University Press.

• Smart, C. (1976). Women, Crime and Criminology. London: RKP.

• Walklate, S. (2001). Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice. Cullompton, Devon: Willan Publishing.