Gender and Crime: Exploring the Disparities

Gender Disparities in Crime Rates

Crime statistics consistently show a gender gap, with men more frequently involved in criminal activities than women. The Ministry of Justice's 2019 report highlights this disparity, noting that men comprised 85% of arrests, 75% of criminal charges, and 95% of the prison population. Men are predominantly implicated in serious offenses such as violence, robbery, and sexual crimes, with 85-90% of these crimes committed by males and 98% of convicted sexual offenders being male. Women, on the other hand, are less likely to commit crimes, and when they do, the crimes tend to be less severe, with a higher proportion of women involved in summary non-motoring and fraud offenses.

Sociological Theories on Gender and Crime

Sociological theories offer explanations for the gender disparities observed in crime rates. The sex-role theory suggests that traditional gender roles and socialization influence the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior, with men's roles often emphasizing traits that can be associated with criminality. Talcott Parsons argued that women's roles as caregivers and their community ties act as a deterrent to crime. Feminist theories, such as the marginalization and control theory, propose that women's lower crime rates are due to their subordinate societal position and stricter social control. The liberation thesis, introduced by Freda Adler, posits that as women's social status and economic opportunities improve, their crime rates may increase to levels more comparable to men's.

Biological Perspectives and the Chivalry Thesis

Biological perspectives on gender and crime examine physiological differences, such as variations in testosterone levels, to understand why men may be more inclined toward aggression and criminal behavior. The chivalry thesis posits that societal attitudes and the criminal justice system may treat women more leniently, potentially leading to underreporting of female criminality. This thesis is based on the perception that women are inherently less criminal, but it has faced criticism for perpetuating sexist stereotypes and lacking robust empirical support.

Research on Testosterone and Antisocial Behavior

Research has investigated the relationship between testosterone and antisocial behavior. Studies by James Dabbs and others have found that higher testosterone levels in men are associated with an increased likelihood of substance abuse, delinquency, and conflict with authority figures. Among male prison inmates, higher testosterone levels have been linked to more violent crimes and infractions. In female prisoners, elevated testosterone has similarly been correlated with greater violence and a reduced likelihood of parole, suggesting a potential biological component to these behaviors.

Evaluating Gender and Crime Theories

The various theories explaining gender differences in crime are subject to ongoing evaluation and critique. Critics like Stephen Jones question the liberation thesis, arguing that the incarceration of many women is a result of patriarchal control rather than increased autonomy. Carol Smart calls for a transgressive criminology that considers the broader spectrum of harm to women, challenging the traditional male-centric crime theories. The concept of double deviance refers to the additional social stigma women face when they commit crimes, as they are seen as violating both legal and gender norms. Liberal feminists emphasize the need for contemporary perspectives that recognize the evolving landscape of gender equality and the changing role of women in the criminal justice system.

Gender and Crime: A Human Rights Perspective

In their work "Gender and Crime: A Human Rights Approach," Marisa Silvestri and Chris Crowther-Dowey explore the intersection of gender, crime, and human rights. They critique the gender biases within the criminal justice system and call for a human rights-based approach to address these issues. This perspective emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive policies and practices in the criminal justice system to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights for all individuals, particularly those affected by gender-based discrimination.