According to Carol Smart (1989) most
crimes committed by females are
arguably boring, and comparatively
trivial to males
We are in an era of "malestream sociology"
It is written by men, for men
When women do commit crime, it
is likely to be theft, handling
stolen goods. They are more
likely to be victims of sexual
offences and robbery
Chivalry - Paternalistic
Theory
Argues that male police officers
and/or judges are sympathetic
towards women since women are
viewed to be in need of
protection. Pollack (1950) argues
that the police/judges are
romantically chivalrous and
protective towards women.
It is "unmasculine" to
punish women and impose
pain/ hardship. This view is
based on a number of
factors:
These include: the separation of women and
children, stating that women were forced into
crime by men, female crime is not dangerous
and are more likely to be the victims.
However, this is often criticised. For
example, in their study of domestic
violence, Dobash and Dobash (1980)
found that courts are much more harder
on women when they are victims. and
Lees (1986) support this by arguing that
rape victims feel "on trial"/intimidated by
judges.
Similarly, Miller (1985) argues that police often
ignore reports of domestic violence
Traditional Sex Role
(evil women) theory
Women are more likely to be
discriminated against and receive
a more pubitive punishment. Their
caring
mother/housewife/respectable
societal rome (stereotype) = also
shocked people/challenged. Thus,
women = 'doubly deviant'
Deviant behaviour from
females is therefore
inappropriate, and crime is
simply a male business e.g.
masculinity, toughness and
aggressiveness
Box (1983) - Crime
and Mystification
Marxist and argued that the police
do NOT treat women differently but
are treated more harshly since it is
unacceptable from women. The
court protect the traditional
stereotypical female fole which
controls/prevents female c+d
Biological theories and psychological theories
Lombrosso - female traits = docility,
obedience (to men) and sexual apathy.
Violent crimes may link to
pre-menstural tension.
Extroverts are more likely to be criminal -
this applies to unmarried mothers who are
more promiscuous/experience deeper
emotional barriers so are therefore
arguably more deviant
This can be dismissed as outdated.
Interactionists also argue that crime is a
social construct
Functionalism
Differential
socialisation -
primary and
secondary
Males are
socialised to be
tough and
aggressive e.g. in
sport
Girls are more passive, nurturing and caring which steers them away frim crime
Eileen Leonard (1982) assrts that Merton's concept of
the American Dream is more prevalent amongst males
since they strife for more in educatuion. Women on the
otherhand set more realistic success goals.
Subcultural Theory
Women are often ignored in gangs
Labelling Theory
Concerns mostly
class, NOT
gender
Feminists argue that labelling should be considered.
Marxism
Economic
marginalisation of
women
The New Criminology
- "Fully Social Theory
of Deviance " is NOT
fully social enough for
feminists