Gender and Criminal Theory

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the origins, strengths and weaknesses of gender-based theories of criminal behavior and whether they are consensus-based or conflict-based. The paper discusses how gender-based theories of crime are often neglected in investigation into crime theory. The paper explains that such dismissals are erroneous, not only because they ignore the role women play in crime but because they dismiss discussion over why males are so proportionally involved in crime.

Outline:
Introduction
The Birth of Gender-Based Crime Theories
Contemporary Gender-Based Crime Theories
Strengths and Weaknesses of Gender-Based Theories of Criminal Behaviour
Gender-based Theories of Crime as Conflict or Consensus-Based Approaches
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The lack of theoretical investigation into gender-based schemas of crime has been noted by contemporary criminologists. This is strange, given that gender is clearly a notable factor in criminal and delinquent behaviour: only 7 percent of prison inmates and 11 percent of jail inmates are female, and women comprise only 14% of sworn officers in large police departments (Flavin, 2003, p. 225). So why is gender and its relationship to crime so often overlooked in academic circles? Past inattention to the issue has been somewhat redressed in recent times based on a growing number of gender-based theories of criminal behaviour. The sum of these theories generally relate to the "invisibility" of women in a patriarchal society defined by paternalism, sexism and traditional notions of chivalry. Gender theories of criminal behaviour generally revolve around two schools of thought: that of criticizing traditional male approaches to crime study and of developing "gender-sensitive interpretations of deviance and a consideration of the nature of female criminality" (Williams & McShane, 2004, p. 254)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Flavin, Jeanne. "Feminist for the Mainstream Criminologist." In C. M. Renzetti, D. J. Curran & P. J. Carr, Theories of Crime, A Reader (pp. 223-245). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
• Hagan, John. "A Power-Control Theory of Gender and Delinquency." In C. M. Renzetti, D. J. Curran & P. J. Carr, Theories of Crime, A Reader (pp. 214-221). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
• McShane, M. & Williams, F. (2004). Criminological Theory: Fourth Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

More papers on Gender and Criminal Theory:

• Research Paper # 114013 : "Gender and Crime"
• Term Paper # 113388 : "Crime and Gender"
• Essay # 48053 : "Juvenile Criminal Behavior"

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