Gender and crime: patterns, causes, and social implications

Gender and Crime

How would each of the three critical feminist perspectives -- Radical, Marxist, and Socialist -- explain this phenomenon? Do different life experiences by men and women impact the overrepresentation of men in the criminal justice system? How do gender differences impact sentencing? Provide examples to support your answer. How does allowing citizens to carry guns prevent crimes? Give relevant examples.

The radical feminist would look at the attacks on women based upon the fact that they have been ignored throughout history. This makes them an easier target for men to overpower them and conduct these activities. Marxists believe that crime occurs because of social inequalities. This is from them being pushed into the lower classes of society. To lash out, they will directly target and attack women in order to take advantage of those who have the perceptions of power and influence. Socialists believe that the ultimate causes of crime are the law. This is from them feeling that they are restricting the actions of everyone and how they favoring one group in society over everyone else. ("Feminist Perspective on Work and Class," 2010) (Elwood, 2004)

As a result, the life experiences of women will impact how they look at the criminal justice system and their views about these activities. For instance, a woman will see the world differently if she is from a family that is poor and has to struggle with issues of class / inequality. This is in contrast with a person who grew up in an atmosphere of opportunities and affluence. These experiences will shape their views on the world around them and society at large. ("Feminist Perspective on Work and Class," 2010) (Elwood, 2004)

Gender differences will have an impact on sentencing. This is because men will receive harsher punishments in contrast with women. A good example of this can be seen with the fact that men are more likely to be repeat offenders and engage in violent crime in comparison with females. These views will lead to judges looking at them harsher in comparison with women. It is at this point when they will go through much longer jail terms based upon these perceptions. ("Feminist Perspective on Work and Class," 2010) (Elwood, 2004)

Allowing citizens to carry guns can serve as a deterrent in preventing crime. This takes place with the victims having the ability to defend themselves. For instance, in the above scenarios, the victims would have been able to shoot the perpetrators (in order to prevent harm to themselves). Moreover, if the criminals understood this fact, they may have thought twice before engaging in these activities. This would have served as a way of preventing them from thinking they could easily attack, rob and kill someone. ("Feminist Perspective on Work and Class," 2010) (Elwood, 2004)

Part 2

Discuss the financial impact of white collar crimes. What can be done to refocus more on white collar crimes?

The impact of white collar crimes is that the public will lose confidence in conducting business with professionals. At the same time, they will see their financial resources depleted because of their activities. This can have a direct effect on their savings and retirement accounts. To refocus, a white collar crime task force can be created. They have the responsibility for enforcing these regulations. (Ryder, 2011)

Part 3

What means are best suited to reduce crimes? Provide examples from researches conducted on the careers of criminals and attempts at rehabilitating these criminals. Do you think researches on careers of criminals provide any support for rehabilitation programs? Which types of programs have the best success rates at reducing recidivism? Why?

The best way to reduce crime rates is to have social prevention programs. This means implementing programs that will offer someone with positive alternatives before they become involved in these activities. For instance, many studies have shown that after school programs are one way to offer young adults with positive role models and activities. This gives them other alternatives which they may not have at home. Research on career criminals does not provide any support for rehabilitation programs. This is because they will more than likely engage in these activities when they are released. The best programs for reducing recidivism are those focused on someone when they are younger. This based upon the fact that they are more susceptible to negative influences (which causes them to become involved in illegal activities). Those who are able to intervene can offer them with alternative solutions in the process. (Elwood, 2004)