Notes on 'Up It Up: Gender and the Accomplishment of Street Robbery' by Jody Miller

The research examines gender differences in street robbery, focusing on both female and male offenders.
Attempts to understand women's participation in violent crime have historically been polarized—either overemphasizing gender differences or neglecting them altogether.
The study aims to reconcile these perspectives through in-depth interviews with active street robbers.

Motivations for Robbery:
Both women and men report similar primary motivations for robbery:
- Urgent economic need (more common among older respondents).
- Desire for material goods and status (jewelry, money).
- Thrill-seeking and excitement, especially among younger robbers.
Gendered Nature of Robbery:
Men's Robberies:
- Typically involve physical violence or the use of a weapon (especially guns).
- Most common targets are other men involved in street life.
- Physical confrontation is a key feature—63% account for the use of violence in robbery interactions.
Women's Robberies:
- Often involve confrontation with other women or manipulation of male victims through sexual availability.
- Less aggressive in nature compared to male robbers; more reliance on intimidation rather than physical violence.
- Tend to rob other women because women are perceived as easier targets (less likely to resist).

Gender as a Contextual Influence:
Gender informs the strategies used in robberies and influences the choice of victims.
Women's participation in robbery is shaped by structural and cultural constraints related to race and economic background.
Violence as Masculine Accomplishment:
For men, robbery is tied to constructs of masculinity and displays of toughness; therefore, physical confrontation is inherent in their methods.
The dynamics of robbery are deeply embedded in social structures that reward masculine performance through crime.

The study employed semi-structured in-depth interviews with 37 active street robbers (14 women, 23 men).
Respondents were recruited from impoverished urban neighborhoods in St. Louis, MO, using snowball sampling techniques.
The sample's age range was 16-46, primarily focusing on younger individuals, with the majority below 25.

Gender as Accomplishment:
Builds on feminist theories that gender is not merely assigned but performed in socio-structural contexts (West and Fenstermaker, 1995).
Recognition that women's involvement in crime, especially male-dominated crimes like robbery, is often overlooked.
Intersectionality of Race, Class, and Gender:
Women of color, particularly African-American women, demonstrated higher rates of street crime, suggesting unique societal pressures and opportunities.
The study highlights the importance of contextualizing gendered actions by considering race and class, particularly in urban underclass environments.

Men's Robbery Behavior:
Use tactics emphasizing physical aggression and weapon displays.
Targeting is often influenced by social networks within the street culture.
Male-on-male robberies are characterized by direct confrontation and expressions of power.
Women's Robbery Behavior:
Engage in less violent tactics; often rob other women or set up men through sexual pretense.
Strategies employed reflect awareness of gendered perceptions, allowing them to manipulate potential male victims effectively.

Gender Roles in Street Crime:
Key takeaway is that while motivations for robbery may be similar across genders, the methods and societal implications differ considerably.
Women navigate a male-dominated landscape and often adopt strategies that reflect their understanding of gender hierarchies within the street economy.
Need for further research on the nuances of women's experiences and motivations in crime, maintaining a balanced view of both gender and structural factors.