Gender and Crime: Sex-Role Theory

• What does Sex-Role Theory explain regarding crime?

  Gendered differences in offending
• How do traditional femininity norms affect crime rates?

  They are not conducive to crime
• What role do girls internalize according to Parsons (1937)?

  The expressive role in the family
• What values do girls internalize that reduce crime likelihood?

  Caring and empathy
• How does the child caring role affect women's crime rates?

  It increases attachment to family and community
• What traditional roles do women take on that limit crime opportunities?

  Dual burden and triple shift
• What is theorized about boys' socialization and crime rates?

  It contributes to higher male crime rates
• Who stated that boys are taught to be "rough and tough"?

  Sutherland (1960)
• What did Parsons (1964) say about masculinity and delinquency?

  It leads to more delinquent behavior in boys
• What do Cloward and Ohlin (1960) propose about gang behavior?

  Younger members learn toughness and dominance
• What is a criticism of Sex-Role Theory in today's society?

  Decline of traditional gender roles
• What theoretical framework is Sex-Role Theory based on?

  Functionalist theory of the family
• What are the key components of Sex-Role Theory regarding gender and crime?

  • Gender socialization differences
  • Traditional female roles reduce crime
  • Traditional male roles increase crime
• What are the implications of female socialization on crime rates?

  • Internalization of caring values
  • Stronger community attachments
  • Reduced opportunities for crime
• How does masculinity influence male crime rates?

  • Socialization into toughness
  • Engagement in delinquent behavior
  • Learning dominance in gangs
• What are the limitations of Sex-Role Theory in contemporary analysis?

  • Decline of traditional gender roles
  • Functionalist biases
  • Overemphasis on socialization