Welcome to the Study of Gender and Crime!

Ever noticed that when you watch the news or a police documentary, the suspects are usually men? In this chapter, we are going to dive into the "Gender Gap" in crime. We will explore why men appear to commit more crimes than women, whether the police are "too nice" to women, and how society’s expectations of "manliness" or "femininity" can lead people toward or away from a life of crime.

Don't worry if this seems like a lot to take in—we'll break it down into simple, manageable chunks. By the end of these notes, you'll be able to explain the social distribution of crime by gender like a pro!

1. The Big Picture: What do the statistics show?

Official statistics consistently show a massive difference between the amount of crime committed by men and women. For example, in the UK, roughly \( 4 \) out of \( 5 \) convicted offenders are men. By the age of \( 40 \), about \( 9\% \) of females have a criminal conviction, compared to about \( 32\% \) of males.

Key Fact: Men are more likely to commit "serious" crimes like violence or robbery, while women are more often associated with property crimes like shoplifting.

Wait! Are the statistics lying?

Some sociologists argue that women aren't actually "better behaved"—it's just that the Criminal Justice System (CJS) treats them differently. This leads us to two big ideas:

A. The Chivalry Thesis

This theory suggests that most police officers, judges, and magistrates are men who have been socialized to be "chivalrous" (polite and protective) toward women. Because of this, they might be more likely to let women off with a warning or give them lighter sentences. In this view, the CJS acts like a "gentleman" toward female "ladies."

B. Bias Against Women

Other sociologists (especially Feminists) argue the opposite. They believe the system is actually harsher on women who break the rules. This is sometimes called Double Deviance. This means women are punished twice: once for the crime they committed, and once for breaking the "social rule" of how a woman should act (e.g., being a "bad mother" or "unladylike").

Quick Review: Statistics show men commit more crime. Some say this is because women get "chivalrous" treatment, while others say women are actually judged more harshly for breaking gender norms.

2. Why do Women commit LESS crime?

If we accept that women generally commit less crime, we need to ask why. Sociologists focus on how society controls women more than men.

Patriarchal Control

Patriarchy refers to a society dominated by men. Feminist perspectives argue that women are controlled in three main areas of life, leaving them with very little time or opportunity to commit crime:

  • Control at Home: Women traditionally spend more time on housework and childcare. This "domestic role" keeps them inside the house and away from the streets where many crimes happen.
  • Control in Public: Women are often more afraid of being out late at night due to the fear of male violence or "reputation" (fear of being labeled "loose" or "shameful"). This limits their opportunity to engage in deviant activities.
  • Control at Work: Men usually hold the positions of power in workplaces, making it easier for them to control female employees. Women are also less likely to have high-ranking jobs where "white-collar" or corporate crimes are possible.

Marginalisation and Poverty

Another explanation is that women are often marginalised (pushed to the edges of society). Because women are more likely to live in poverty or head single-parent households, the crimes they do commit are often "crimes of survival," such as shoplifting for food or essentials, rather than for excitement or status.

Key Takeaway: Women have fewer "opportunities" to commit crime because their lives are more strictly controlled by family, work, and fear.

3. Why do Men commit MORE crime?

If society's "rules" keep women away from crime, what is it about "being a man" that pushes men toward it?

Masculinity and Crime

Sociologists argue that masculinity is something men have to "accomplish" or prove. For some men, crime is a way of "doing masculinity" to show they are tough, independent, and in control.

  • Hegemonic Masculinity: This is the "ideal" version of manliness (toughness, being the provider, being straight). Men who can't achieve this through a good job might use crime (like violence or theft) to prove they are still "real men."
  • Changes in the Economy: In the past, men proved their manliness through hard manual labor (like mining or steelwork). Since many of these jobs have disappeared due to globalisation, some men turn to criminal subcultures (like gangs or drug dealing) to find a sense of status and identity.

Mnemonic Aid: Think of "M.A.N." to remember male crime: Masculinity, Accomplishing status, and New economic realities.

4. Changing Patterns: Is the gap closing?

In recent years, the number of crimes committed by women has started to rise. Some sociologists call this the Liberation Thesis. The idea is that as women become more "liberated" (free) from patriarchal control and start acting more like men, their criminal behavior starts to look more like men's too.

Example: Women are now more likely to be involved in "ladette" culture, which might involve binge drinking and disorderly behavior, things previously associated mostly with young men.

5. Summary and Key Terms

Quick Review Box:
- Gender Gap: The huge difference in crime rates between men and women.
- Chivalry Thesis: The idea that the police are lenient on women.
- Patriarchal Control: The way society limits women's freedom, reducing their crime opportunities.
- Accomplishing Masculinity: Using crime to prove one is a "man."
- Double Deviance: When women are punished for a crime AND for being "unfeminine."

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Don't assume that "chivalry" means women are never punished. Many feminists argue women are treated worse for certain crimes.
2. Don't forget that most men are NOT criminal. The theory of masculinity only explains why those who are criminal might choose that path.
3. Stay focused: This chapter is about gender. While class and ethnicity are important, make sure your answers here focus on the differences between men and women.

Well done! You've just covered the core concepts of Gender and Crime. Keep these notes handy for your Paper 3 revision!