GENDER AND JUSTICE: UNPACKING UK CRIMINAL POLICIES ON GENDERED CRIME
Authors: Thomas Sullivan Ethan
Published: June 2024
Abstract
<p>This analysis delves into the gendered aspects of crime prevention and reduction strategies, as well as legislative provisions. The focal point is to examine how gender roles, particularly hegemonic masculinity, influence the perpetration of crimes within the male population. Hegemonic masculinity is explored as the prevailing cultural norm that reinforces men's dominant social standing over women, thereby defining the culturally accepted notion of masculinity. Furthermore, this study investigates the culture of femininity to comprehend the gender gap in crime, unraveling why men are disproportionately overrepresented in the offender population. The research argues that gender biases are evident in the language and perceptions presented in government policies related to crime prevention, highlighting the distinct approaches toward male and female criminality. The implications of hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity are analyzed in the context of gendered criminal justice policies, legislation on rape and sexual assault, as well as efforts to reduce the prison population and sentencing across the UK. Notably, there is a significant emphasis on reducing female offending, despite women representing a minimal fraction of the total offender population, accounting for only 5 percent. This emphasis on rehabilitating female offenders can be attributed to the perception that women who commit crimes deviate from societal norms associated with femininity. In contrast, male criminality is often taken for granted, with minimal intervention efforts. This research aims to shed light on the gendered dimensions of crime and its implications on crime prevention and justice policies</p>
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