crime and masculinity

Gender is a social construct associated with specific labels such as masculinity and femininity, while sex refers to the biologically assigned body.

7.1 Masculinity and Crime

• Crime Statistics: The majority of prisoners for violent offenses (acts intended to cause injury, sexual assault) are male, while females dominate in non-violent crimes (theft, fraud).

Explanations for Male Violence

1. Biological Perspective:

   • Links masculinity and violence to evolutionary roles (e.g., hunting).

   • Higher testosterone levels are associated with aggression and risk-taking.

2. Sociological Theories:

   • Socialization: Boys learn to be physical and aggressive from a young age, embodying societal norms of masculinity.

   • Social Control: Boys experience lower supervision compared to girls, allowing more freedom to engage in delinquent behavior.

Case Study Example

• Jack and Mary:

  • Mary receives stricter supervision due to parental concern, while Jack is given more freedom, leading to more unmonitored opportunities for delinquent behavior.

  • Highlights the societal perception that "boys will be boys," despite statistical evidence showing higher victimization rates for males.

Masculinity Characteristics

• Dominant characteristics of masculinity are learned during formative years and linked to violent behavior.

• Violence seen as a way to assert masculinity among peers, especially during adolescence.

• Key characteristics of masculinity:

  • Risk-taking

  • Self-reliance

  • Strong personality

  • Leadership abilities

  • Ambition

  • Dominance

  • Assertiveness

Stay tuned for 7.2 of this mini lecture.