Gender-Conflict Theory: Women in the Criminal Justice System

Gender-Conflict Theory: Women in the Criminal Justice System

1. Gender

   • Sentencing and Offending
     • women viewed as "need to be protected"
       • reinforces male-dominated positions
       • Given more leniency in sentencing; unless low status or minority
         • Why?
           • Women were seen as repressed by society or stigmatism of chivalry/paternalism
     • offenders who victimize women were treated more harshly
   • Women in work
     • "reserve labour force": unequal pay for same amount of labour
     • stereotypical admin duties or caregiving jobs (ie. nurses, secretaries)
     • women officers face a lack of opportunity for promotions, and usually end up working administrative tasks rather than law enforcement or patrol
   • Women in prisons
     • Prisons ill-equipped to deal with women
       • all programming and research is geared to males
     • malpractices in women health in prison (e.g. pregnancy)

2. Conflict Theory

   • definition: questions traditional values and views law as a power to keep specific political groups in power
     • Belief that crime is a symptom of social decline
       • Capitalism is the root of crime
     • Law is designed to keep white males in power and ensure that females are subordinate