Research theories related to gender and crime using the textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet. Identify scholarly, peer-reviewed sources for use in this assignment. Based on the scenario, your readings and research, respond to the following: Give reasons in support of your responses. Write your initial response in 4–6 paragraphs. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. By Fri , post your response Purchase the answer to view it
In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding the relationship between gender and crime. Scholars have developed various theories to explain why men and women engage in different types of criminal behavior, as well as why the criminal justice system treats them differently. This paper will explore several key theories related to gender and crime, including the gender socialization theory, biological theories, and feminist theories.
One of the main theories relating gender and crime is the gender socialization theory. This theory argues that individuals learn their gender roles and behaviors through socialization processes, which in turn influence their likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. According to this theory, society teaches boys to be more aggressive and risk-taking, while girls are socialized to be nurturing and passive. As a result, men are more likely to commit violent and property crimes, while women are more likely to engage in non-violent offenses such as prostitution or drug offenses. This theory suggests that gender differences in criminal behavior can be explained by the varying social expectations placed on men and women.
Biological theories also play a role in understanding gender and crime. These theories focus on biological differences between men and women, including hormonal and genetic factors, as explanations for criminal behavior. For example, some studies suggest that testosterone, a male sex hormone, is associated with increased aggression, which may contribute to higher rates of violent crime among men. Additionally, genetic factors such as the XYY syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality found only in men, have been linked to an increased likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Biological theories of gender and crime argue that inherent differences between men and women, whether hormonal or genetic, may contribute to gender disparities in criminal behavior.
Feminist theories provide another perspective on gender and crime. These theories argue that gender inequality and patriarchy play a central role in explaining gender differences in criminal behavior. Feminist theorists argue that the criminal justice system is biased against women and fails to adequately address the underlying causes of female criminality, such as poverty, abuse, and victimization. They further argue that the system often punishes women for straying from traditional gender roles, while men who engage in similar behavior are treated more leniently. Feminist theories emphasize the importance of understanding the social and structural factors that shape women’s experiences with crime and the criminal justice system.
In conclusion, theories related to gender and crime provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between gender and criminal behavior. The gender socialization theory highlights the role of socialization processes in shaping gender roles and behaviors, which in turn influence an individual’s likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. Biological theories focus on inherent differences between men and women, such as hormonal and genetic factors, as explanations for gender disparities in criminal behavior. Feminist theories, on the other hand, emphasize the role of gender inequality and patriarchy in shaping women’s experiences with crime and the criminal justice system. Future research in this area could explore the intersectionality of gender with other social identities, such as race and class, to gain a more nuanced understanding of how these intersecting factors influence criminal behavior.
