NCJ Number
171179
Date Published
1996
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article examines the lack of scientific curiosity about female criminality issues and the consequences of that lack of interest.
Abstract
Analysis of female criminal activities should be integrated into a global perspective. Neither biological, psychological, nor sociological explanations alone can explain the phenomenon. The article discusses the characteristics of women's crimes, including the number of crimes committed by women, specific offenses committed by women, locales of crimes committed by women, and female offenders' recidivism. In addition, the article notes individual features of female offenders, including nationality, educational level, age, and socioeconomic status. To emphasize the need for a global and integrated approach to the subject of female criminality, the article examines in detail the question of whether female crime is an individual or social act, and whether it is a response to a situation of conflict, with roots in the sociocultural environment. The article suggests the need for further research into the emergence and development of female aggressive behaviors. Notes