Gender Socialization and Criminal Inclination

Gender Socialization and Criminal Inclination

Differential Socialization Based on Gender in Western Society

One of the most universal issues in human socialization is the degree to which males and females are socialized differently in human societies throughout the world. Generally, men are socialized and taught to identify with behaviors and responsibilities that are associated with cultural attitudes about the definition of masculinity whereas females are socialized and taught to identify with behaviors and responsibilities that are associated with femininity (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2009). In Western societies, it is typical for men to identify with values such as strength, confidence, independence, and for them to hold primary responsibility for supporting their families. Conversely, Western women typically identify with values such as social connectedness, nurturing, child rearing, and to hold primary responsibility for homemaking (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2009).

Differences in Male and Female Socialization that Contribute to Criminality

Gender also plays a role in the manner in which individuals embark on pathways to criminal conduct, with males doing so primarily by virtue of exaggerated aggressive behaviors without appropriate control while females are more likely to act out deviant behaviors as a function of a psychological response to psychological trauma (Ogle, Maier-Katkin, & Bernard, 1995). Modern criminologists understand that criminals are made rather than born (Schmalleger, 2009). Certainly, every individual is the product of highly complex interrelationships between variables commonly categorized as either aspects of so-called nature or nurture (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2009). Undoubtedly, there are likely biological factors (such as hormone levels and inheritable elements of temperament) that contribute to external behaviors, but early foundational experiences (especially within the family of origin) and the entire history of environmental exposure and experiences play tremendously important roles in personality development and behavior (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2009).

To a large degree, the greater inclination among males to become involved in criminality is simply a function of socialization processes that reward aggressiveness in males whereas females are socialized to communicate, empathize, and resolve disputes amicably (West & Zimmerman, 1987). Males and females are socialized differently in that respect from their earliest years as toddlers, throughout their later childhood years, and especially, during adolescence and young adulthood. As a result, even after factoring out the influence of socioeconomic class, specific exposure to criminality, and other external influences on the behavior of the individual, males are involved in all types of crimes more than women, and the difference is even greater with respect to crimes of violence (Ogle, Maier-Katkin, & Bernard, 1995; Schmalleger, 2009; West & Zimmerman, 1987).

Different Pathways to Violence based on Gender