Darker Side of Disparity: The Gender Gap in Crime

 

Over the last few decades, there has been a sudden change in the world’s understanding of the concept of gender. The twenty-first century has brought along new perspectives, and a newfound curiosity to explore this topic in depth. To gain a complete understanding of the term ‘gender’, it is necessary to examine it from various viewpoints. Thus, gender psychology greatly overlaps with other related fields including social psychology, neuropsychology and criminal psychology. Psychological research on gender differences has stretched the boundaries of our knowledge. One such area in which extensive gender-focused research has been done is criminal psychology. Crime, for decades on end, has plagued communities and societies around the world. When studied in relation to gender, crime rates and criminals show an interesting pattern, with more than 85% of those arrested being male. About 95% of prisoners are men, with women making up only 5% of the total prison population. This gender disparity has been put under a magnifying lens, being studied by psychologists worldwide. Understanding this phenomena will provide us the answers to a plethora of questions that gender psychologists have been asking for years: Are men hardwired to be violent? What causes the difference in self control between men and women? Is this aggressiveness innate, or is it learnt?

A variety of theories attempt to explain this disparity between criminal behaviour, some hinging on biological evidence and others being psychological in nature. One such theory based on biological evidence is that of evolution. Are men biologically predisposed to violence? Or is it acquired later in life? Many claim that aggressiveness is a genetic trait, being passed down from as far back as the prehistoric times. To ensure survival of the species, men would protect women and hunt in groups to ensure their own safety. These activities often required a high level of alertness, aggressiveness and violence– not surprisingly, traits displayed by many men even today. In addition to this, men have higher testosterone levels than women. This means that they are, biologically, more likely to be aggressive, make irrational decisions, display physical reactivity and exhibit criminal behaviour.

When studying gender from a social point of view, some sociologists and anthropologists blame the lack of equality between the two sexes for the difference in crime rates. This theory explains the high rates of crime against women such as sexual assault, domestic violence and workplace harrassment, born out of society placing more intrinsic value on men than women. Thus, according to these researchers, the percentages of violent crimes committed by men and women would be almost at par with each other if the gap between their social statuses was bridged. In recent times, women have risen to gain more status and value in society– at least, as compared to a few decades ago. The question comes into play: Does this imply an increase in crimes committed by women? Interestingly enough, scientific data paints a different story. According to research conducted by two sociologists, Steffensmeier and Allan, there was a drop in the arrest rate of women charged with homicide from 1975 to 1990– a time best known as the United Nations Decade for Women. 

Psychology plays a monumental role in explaining this phenomenon, with differences in cognitive functioning being a widely accepted contributing factor. Carol Gilligan, a social psychologist, is well known for her theory on women’s development. According to Gilligan’s theory of Moral Development, men and women tend to approach moral problems in completely different ways. These differences, as explained in the theory, are most likely a product of social and cultural influences; including the greater value placed on men’s thoughts and behaviours. Thus, women’s ways of thinking are often underrepresented in daily life. She criticized Kohlberg’s theory of justice, claiming that he did not consider the role of caring and affection in moral decision making– the principle that women function on. Women’s morality is said to be influenced by relationships, and their moral decisions are based on how the people around them will be affected. Through her work, Gilligan found that women, in their morality, focus on affection, care and support– termed as ‘care orientation’. Men, however, focus more on the black and white nature of justice– described as ‘justice orientation’. Therefore, when presented with a choice between being correct or being kind, most women choose kindness. Evidence for this theory lies before us– the large numbers of men in prison conditions, and the even larger number of women in healthcare and teaching professions. Criminals, in interviews after arrest, often speak about how they objectify their victims in order to justify their actions. Women, basing their moral decisions on ‘care orientation’, find it more difficult to do so, thus showing lower rates of violent crimes. 

The sex role theory is yet another social and psychological approach to the topic, revolving around gender roles and its effect on deviant behaviour. Boys, from an early age, are reinforced into a pattern of traditionally masculine behaviour– emotional rigidity, practicality, physical strength and aggression. This masculinity is internalized during adolescence, with boys displaying assertiveness and other such traditional masculine traits in order to gain validation and support from their peer groups (Parsons, 1964). The cycle of more men displaying deviant behaviour than women is further explained by Sutherland’s Theory of Differential association, which states that criminal activity is learnt through interactions and observations with other model figures. Intimate relations with deviant peers and criminals, especially those of the same sex, further encourages this. As most criminals are male, boys may normalize and internalize criminality at a young age.

In an overlap with Gilligan’s theory of Moral Development, it is also stated that due to women being viewed as ‘nurturing’ or ‘caring’ figures in family or social settings, they are more attached to communities than men. Their role as caretakers, in the eyes of society, causes them to internalize such traits.  Traditionally, women are considered to be the ones that keep in touch with relatives, form deep emotional connections and thus bond local communities together. Due to their internalization of behaviours and their attachment to communities, women are less likely to commit crimes– especially violent ones. Additionally, women’s emotional burdens exceed mens’, with women feeling the need to take on and solve their male partner’s problems. This leaves them with little to no emotional capacity to commit crimes or indulge in highly deviant behaviour, which would leave them feeling guilty and remorseful. 

Recent theories and research have added to our knowledge and understanding of how deviant minds function, and how internal and external factors affect criminal rates in men and women. An increase in women’s crime rates in the past few years has sparked discussion worldwide, leaving psychologists questioning existing theories and forming new ones. To break the cycle of deviant behaviour in both genders, it is important to provide counseling and rehabilitation services to at-risk individuals, especially adolescents and young adults. Changes in parenting styles, early exposure and social positions have the potential to alter these crime rates. 

Through the study of gender and crime, much has been proven, and much more disproven. However, there is one thing that is certain: No matter how it is measured–with scientific data or otherwise– the relation between criminal behavior and gender is strong, evident and persistent and is likely to remain so.

About the Author

Masumi Pradhan

Sub-head at the Psycreative Column

First year student, B.Sc. Applied Psychology, NMIMS

Inquisitive and ambitious, Masumi Pradhan- born and brought up in Mumbai- believes in constantly exploring and nurturing her creative side, taking on new projects every opportunity she gets. Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SDSOS, she hopes to inspire other writers and artists around her while holding a light up to topics and ideas rarely spoken about on the daily. If not painting or writing about everything under the sun, you’ll find her listening to her favourite music artists. Her most valued skills include communication and leadership, which she plans on honing further through exposure and experience in years to come.

References:

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Gender and Crime. (n.d.). StudySmarter US. https://www.studysmarter.us/explanations/social-studies/crime-and-deviance/gender-and-crime/

The Carol Gilligan Theory and a Woman’s Sense of Self. (2021, August 30). Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-carol-gilligan-theory-and-a-woman-s-sense-of-self-5198408

Thompson, A. K. (2021, September 20). Gender and Crime: Sex-Role Theory. ReviseSociology. https://revisesociology.com/2016/11/30/gender-crime-sex-role-theory/

Gilligan’s Theory Of Feminine Morality - IResearchNet. (2017, March 20). Psychology. https://psychology.iresearchnet.com/developmental-psychology/social-development/gilligans-theory-of-feminine-morality/