Gender and Crime Research Paper

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….....