Gender and crime
Crime patterns show significant gender differences: men commit more crime (especially violent crime) and comprise 95% of prison population; women's crime is less visible and often explained differently.
Real World
James Messerschmidt's analysis of school shooters in the US argues that young men who feel their masculinity is threatened — by unemployment, humiliation, or low status — commit extreme violence to 'accomplish masculinity,' illustrating how socialised gender norms drive male crime.
Exam Focus
When discussing gender and crime, address both why male crime is high and why female crime appears low — chivalry thesis and dark figure earn marks.
How well did you know this?