Male vs. Female Offenders, Essay Example

The emancipation of women in 1970’s has improved their economic opportunities and at the same time permitted them to become prone to crime as men. By demanding equal rights, numbers of strong-minded woman have forced their way into the world of crime.

The emotional and behavioral differences between male and female offenders show that females differ from males regarding depression, anxiety, social stress, self-esteem and require a different treatment than males. Gender stereotypes influence our opinions about the roles of men and women in society and their attitude to crime. While men tend to be more physically and sexually intimidating, women release their feelings in depressions, self-abuse and suicides. Women are at more risk throughout their lives for such experiences as sexual abuse or domestic violence which often results in their crime actions. Economic vulnerability, abuse, addiction force women into crime.

Female offenders tend to have lower arrest rates than males for all types of crime. However, it is observed that in recent years the number of women criminals is rapidly growing. In the light of current world crises the number of offenders from both sides can significantly increase since people experience strong economic difficulties and still have to take care of their families.

Male criminals are considered to be more of a “norm” compared to women. The tendency is explained by the physical power, stronger will, anger and determination men have. Mentality of male offenders differs from female in terms of sociological factors and environmental influences. As a result we observe more violent crimes done by men than women. Majority of females convicted of crime were involved with drugs and property theft and often are economically motivated, provoked by poverty or drug/alcohol abuse.

Our world is “gender biased” and there is not a single sole standard explanation of human life or behavior. It is important to consider the environment outside of the court premises when convicting male or female of crime. Diverse combination of biological and cultural factors creates males and females as individuals. But cultural and physiological differences, changing economic and social conditions have to be taken into account when dealing with any type of crime regarding its gender.

References

Greenfeld, Lawrence. (1999). Women Offenders. Retrieved 5 March, 2009 from <http:/ /www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/wo.pdf>.