NCJ Number
75741
Date Published
1979
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Modified differential association theory is applied in this Dutch study to explain the qualitative and quantitative differences in criminal behavior between men and women.
Abstract
Considering their contribution to the total population, women commit significantly fewer offenses than men. However, accused female shoplifters account for nearly 50 percent of all females suspected of an offense, and shoplifting is increasing. The explanation of female criminality should be based on the differential theory which explains all types of deviant behavior regardless of the sex of the offender. The theory states that persons perceive techniques relevant to deviant behavior as being more effective the more frequently they communicate about these techniques. In Western society, boys and girls are socialized in different ways. The sex role socialization process causes the effectiveness of technical skills to be lower in girls than in boys. As a consequence of this difference in perception, criminal behavior such as burglary and auto theft are regarded as impossible by girls because they believe that they lack the technical skill required. However, shoplifting is an offense which requires minimal technical skill. Therefore, if a woman fulfils the other initial conditions of the theory, she will opt in favor of a simple criminal activity such as shoplifting. The increase in shoplifting can be explained by the enhanced opportunities to commit this offense, such as rapid increase in the number of supermarkets and their increased floor space. Thus, according to the theory, the increased figures for shoplifting by women are explained by the increased opportunities for criminal behavior, together with women's lack of technical skills required for other types of crime. The subject of emancipation and women's crime and traditional theories (e.g., biological and psychological schools) are also discussed. Notes and 15 references are given.