NCJ Number
85249
Date Published
1982
Length
215 pages
Annotation
Female patterns of crime are inadequately explained by five leading sociological theories. A structural analysis is needed to provide a framework for understanding the connections between women and crime.
Abstract
Typically noncriminal, women have lower rates of crime in all nations and communities, for all age groups, for all periods of recorded history, and for practically all crimes. Despite this significant fact, criminologists have no theory which plausibly explains women's behavior in relation to criminal activity. Examination of the existing literature reveals a sexist portrayal of both criminal and noncriminal females. An analysis of women's involvement in crime, using data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports and related court statistics reveals inherent problems. Five major sociological theories -- anomie theory, labeling, differential association, subcultural theory, and the Marxist approach -- fail to explain the low incidence of criminal activity among females. A reformulation and elaboration of labeling theory and the new criminology hold the most potential for examining female criminality in a wider moral, political, and economic framework. The sex variable must be included in future studies of crime. Approximately 60 reference notes, an index, and 250 references are provided.