Feminist Perspective on Crime & Deviance (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology): Revision Note

Sociologists started studying the role of women in crime and deviance in the 1970s

Earlier studies focused mainly on men as offenders or victims, ignoring women’s experiences

When examining the treatment of female offenders in the criminal justice system (CJS), feminist sociologists have produced two views:

• The chivalry thesis suggests that female offenders are treated more leniently than men, e.g., when sentenced in court

• The double deviance thesis suggests that the CJS treats some women more harshly than others (particularly when they break gender norms)

Feminists highlight how women are often victims of male violence (e.g., domestic abuse, sexual assault)

These crimes are often underreported and underrecorded by police

The CJS can fail to protect women or take their experiences seriously

Writing from a feminist perspective, Heidensohn (1985) used interviews and official statistics to explore women’s experiences of crime and control

She found that women commit fewer crimes because they are more tightly controlled by men in:

• the home,

• public spaces

• the workplace

Control of women at home

• Domestic life keeps women busy with housework, childcare and emotional labour

• Men’s financial power limits women’s independence

• Daughters have less freedom than sons and must stay close to home

• Working-class girls often do more housework and childcare

• Women who reject traditional roles risk male violence or criticism

Control of women in public

• Women are controlled by the fear of male violence, especially after dark.

• Avoid going out alone or to certain areas

• Risk shame or gossip if they act “inappropriately” (e.g., drinking, dressing differently)

• Fear of damaging their reputation limits freedom

Control of women in the workplace

• Workplaces are often male-dominated; men hold most positions of power

• Sexual harassment and intimidation control women and restrict progress

• Male hierarchies limit women’s independence and confidence

Generalises women’s experiences – not all women are controlled in the same way

Ignores differences of class, ethnicity, and age

Western-focused – may not apply to other cultures

Some claims lack strong evidence or comparison with men’s experiences

Downplays women’s free will – women can resist control and make choices

Fails to explain why some women commit crimes despite control