Public Views Towards Crime and Correctional Policies: Is There a Gender Gap?

The authors presented theoretical and empirical information as the basis for a discussion of their study regarding gender based differences in the public perception of crime and corrections. The study consisted of a random sample of 1,000 residents surveyed via mailed questionnaire utilizing questions developed following Dillman’s (1978) total design method. Questions focused on crime policy, punishment, and offender rehabilitation. Based upon the data collected, the authors concluded that there are certain gender differences in crime and corrections policy perceptions and that men in general favor punishment over rehabilitation and women prefer offender treatment alternatives as part of corrections policy. The authors anticipate that the effects of this gender difference may impact corrections policy as women become more involved in public office. 4 notes, 63 references