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Sex/Gender, Sexism and Criminal Justice: Some Theoretical Considerations

NCJ Number
118780
Journal
International Journal of the Sociology of Law Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (May 1989) Pages: 165-184
Author(s)
A R Edwards
Date Published
1989
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The analysis of sex, gender, and the 'sex/gender factor' as handled in literature is reviewed, citing the fact that crime has been perceived as a male phenomenon.
Abstract
A general account of the arguments and evidence relating to the "chivalry thesis" is given, looking particularly at the issues in contention and at how recent researchers have sought to resolve them. Further, a number of mainly theoretical problems are identified, such as the sex-role theory. The discussion is then widened to include consideration of current feminist thinking on the question of sex, gender, and how to conceptualize sexual difference and the sex/gender order, and how this can be used to increase understanding of sexism in the criminal justice system.

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