, CMY2601 ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2026
Question 1:
Explain the reasons why men commit more crimes than women do. (10 Marks)
Research consistently shows that men commit more crimes than women due to a
combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors rather than a single
cause. Criminologists argue that crime results from the interaction of individual
characteristics with environmental influences, and these influences often affect men and
women differently (Siegel, 2022).
One explanation is based on biological factors. Men generally have higher levels of
testosterone, a hormone associated with aggression, dominance, and risk-taking behaviour.
Although testosterone alone does not cause criminal behaviour, higher levels may increase
the likelihood of violent or aggressive responses when combined with social and
environmental pressures (Siegel, 2022). Men are also more likely to engage in physically
risky activities, making them more prone to committing violent offences.
A second explanation focuses on socialisation and gender roles. From a young age,
boys are often encouraged to be competitive, assertive, and independent, while girls are
typically socialised to be caring, cooperative, and law-abiding. These gender expectations
may make males more willing to use aggression or engage in delinquent behaviour to gain
status or solve conflicts. According to social learning theory, individuals learn behaviour
through observation and reinforcement, meaning boys may imitate aggressive behaviours
displayed by family members, peers, or the media (Akers & Sellers, 2013).
Peer influence also contributes significantly to higher male offending rates. Young men are
more likely than women to associate with delinquent peer groups that encourage criminal
behaviour such as theft, vandalism, gang involvement, and violence. Acceptance within
these groups may depend on demonstrating toughness, bravery, or a willingness to break
the law (Siegel, 2022).
Question 1:
Explain the reasons why men commit more crimes than women do. (10 Marks)
Research consistently shows that men commit more crimes than women due to a
combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors rather than a single
cause. Criminologists argue that crime results from the interaction of individual
characteristics with environmental influences, and these influences often affect men and
women differently (Siegel, 2022).
One explanation is based on biological factors. Men generally have higher levels of
testosterone, a hormone associated with aggression, dominance, and risk-taking behaviour.
Although testosterone alone does not cause criminal behaviour, higher levels may increase
the likelihood of violent or aggressive responses when combined with social and
environmental pressures (Siegel, 2022). Men are also more likely to engage in physically
risky activities, making them more prone to committing violent offences.
A second explanation focuses on socialisation and gender roles. From a young age,
boys are often encouraged to be competitive, assertive, and independent, while girls are
typically socialised to be caring, cooperative, and law-abiding. These gender expectations
may make males more willing to use aggression or engage in delinquent behaviour to gain
status or solve conflicts. According to social learning theory, individuals learn behaviour
through observation and reinforcement, meaning boys may imitate aggressive behaviours
displayed by family members, peers, or the media (Akers & Sellers, 2013).
Peer influence also contributes significantly to higher male offending rates. Young men are
more likely than women to associate with delinquent peer groups that encourage criminal
behaviour such as theft, vandalism, gang involvement, and violence. Acceptance within
these groups may depend on demonstrating toughness, bravery, or a willingness to break
the law (Siegel, 2022).
