Kelly L. Gould

Trait View

Socialization View

Liberal Feminist View

Radical Feminist View

Causes of Gender Differences

Gender-Schema
Theory

This theory asserts
that our culture
polarizes males
and females,
forcing them
into exclusive gender roles of "feminine" or "masculine"; these gender scripts provide the basis for deviant behaviors.

Differences Between Male
and Female Socialization

Females

Self-worth depends on ability to sustain relationships

Less aggressive

Blame self when angry

More likely to be depressed or anxious

More likely to be abuse victims

Males

Taught to value separation and independence

More aggressive

React with moral outrange; others and responsible

Less prone to sadness or fear

Less likely to be targets of abuse

Gender Differences
in Delinquency

males kill friends or acquaintances

females kill family members and are more likely to use a knife

both kill males

Traits Explanations

A view that women who commit crimes have biological and psychological traits similar to those of men.

A view that low female crime and delinquency rates are a reflection of the leniency with which police treat female offenders.

Factors Linked to Female to
Female Delinquency – Philadelphia Study

Precocious Sexuality

Those Who Influence Socialization and Childhood Experiences

Sociological Research Findings and Gender Factors Associated with Delinquency

Liberal Feminism

This view hold that females are less delinquent than males because their social roles provide them with fewer opportunities to commit crime. As the roles of girls and women become more similar to those of males, so too will their crime patterns - (social and economic independence).

Critique of Liberal Feminism

Some argue female crime rates have not been influenced by the women’s movement

Some believe that increased female crime rates reflect different police reporting

Radical
Feminists

These views hold that gender inequality stems from the unequal power of men and women and the subsequent exploitation of women by men; the cause of female delinquency originates with the onset of male supremacy and the efforts of males to control females’ sexuality.

The Paternalistic
Family

Fathers are breadwinners and mothers have menial jobs and stay at home; mothers are expected to control the behavior of their daughters while granting greater freedom to their sons.

Power-Control Theory

This theory holds that gender differences in the delinquency rate are a function of class differences and economic conditions that influence the structure of family life.

Victimization by the Juvenile Justice System