, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
1. Explain the reasons why men commit more crimes than women do.
The consistent finding that men commit significantly more crimes than women, particularly violent
and serious offences, is one of the most robust observations in criminology.¹ This gender gap, which
has persisted for decades across different societies and cultures, is not attributable to a single factor
but rather results from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural
influences. The following reasons explain why men are disproportionately represented in crime
statistics.
1. Biological and Psychological Factors
Biological explanations have long been explored to understand gender differences in criminality.
Research suggests that hormonal differences, particularly higher testosterone levels in males, are
associated with increased aggression, dominance, and risk-taking behaviour, which may predispose
men toward violent and confrontational crimes.² Furthermore, studies indicate that males are more
likely to exhibit externalising problems such as delinquency, aggression, and substance abuse,
whereas females tend to experience more internalising problems like depression and anxiety.³
Psychological factors also play a role. Conditions such as impulsivity, attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), and antisocial personality disorder are more frequently diagnosed in males and, if
left untreated, can contribute to impulsive and criminal behaviour.⁴ However, it is important to note
that biological and psychological factors do not operate in isolation; they interact significantly with
social and environmental influences.
2. Socialisation and Gender Role Expectations
Sociological explanations emphasise the role of socialisation in shaping behaviour. From early
childhood, boys and girls are socialised differently, with boys often being encouraged to be
aggressive, competitive, and assertive, while girls are socialised to be nurturing, passive, and
cooperative.⁵ This process reinforces traditional gender roles and expectations. As the study guide
explains, "socialisation, cultural differences and factors such as religion and evolution affect the
attitude and education of the human male and play important roles in explaining male criminal
behaviour."⁶
The concept of masculinity is central to this argument. Men may feel societal pressure to prove their
masculinity through toughness, risk-taking, and dominance, which can manifest in criminal
behaviour such as violence and aggression.⁷ This is particularly evident in subcultures where
criminal activity is seen as a way to achieve status and respect.
¹ CMY2601 Study Guide, 2011:126. "The incidence of crime worldwide is much lower among women than among men... men far
outnumber women in most types of offending, and the reported ratios of males to females for most crimes remained fundamentally the same
for decades."
² Bartol, CR & Bartol, AM 2008, Criminal Behavior: A Psychosocial Approach, 9th edn, Pearson Prentice Hall, New Jersey, p. 59.
³ Rosenfield, S, Phillips, J & White, H 2006, 'Gender, race and the self in mental health and crime', Social Problems, vol. 53, no. 2, pp.
161-185.
⁴ Siegel, LJ 2010, Criminology: The Core, International edn, Wadsworth Cengage Learning, USA, p. 241.
⁵ Newburn, T 2007, Criminology, Willan Publishing, USA, p. 305.
⁶ CMY2601 Study Guide, 2011:128.
1. Explain the reasons why men commit more crimes than women do.
The consistent finding that men commit significantly more crimes than women, particularly violent
and serious offences, is one of the most robust observations in criminology.¹ This gender gap, which
has persisted for decades across different societies and cultures, is not attributable to a single factor
but rather results from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural
influences. The following reasons explain why men are disproportionately represented in crime
statistics.
1. Biological and Psychological Factors
Biological explanations have long been explored to understand gender differences in criminality.
Research suggests that hormonal differences, particularly higher testosterone levels in males, are
associated with increased aggression, dominance, and risk-taking behaviour, which may predispose
men toward violent and confrontational crimes.² Furthermore, studies indicate that males are more
likely to exhibit externalising problems such as delinquency, aggression, and substance abuse,
whereas females tend to experience more internalising problems like depression and anxiety.³
Psychological factors also play a role. Conditions such as impulsivity, attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), and antisocial personality disorder are more frequently diagnosed in males and, if
left untreated, can contribute to impulsive and criminal behaviour.⁴ However, it is important to note
that biological and psychological factors do not operate in isolation; they interact significantly with
social and environmental influences.
2. Socialisation and Gender Role Expectations
Sociological explanations emphasise the role of socialisation in shaping behaviour. From early
childhood, boys and girls are socialised differently, with boys often being encouraged to be
aggressive, competitive, and assertive, while girls are socialised to be nurturing, passive, and
cooperative.⁵ This process reinforces traditional gender roles and expectations. As the study guide
explains, "socialisation, cultural differences and factors such as religion and evolution affect the
attitude and education of the human male and play important roles in explaining male criminal
behaviour."⁶
The concept of masculinity is central to this argument. Men may feel societal pressure to prove their
masculinity through toughness, risk-taking, and dominance, which can manifest in criminal
behaviour such as violence and aggression.⁷ This is particularly evident in subcultures where
criminal activity is seen as a way to achieve status and respect.
¹ CMY2601 Study Guide, 2011:126. "The incidence of crime worldwide is much lower among women than among men... men far
outnumber women in most types of offending, and the reported ratios of males to females for most crimes remained fundamentally the same
for decades."
² Bartol, CR & Bartol, AM 2008, Criminal Behavior: A Psychosocial Approach, 9th edn, Pearson Prentice Hall, New Jersey, p. 59.
³ Rosenfield, S, Phillips, J & White, H 2006, 'Gender, race and the self in mental health and crime', Social Problems, vol. 53, no. 2, pp.
161-185.
⁴ Siegel, LJ 2010, Criminology: The Core, International edn, Wadsworth Cengage Learning, USA, p. 241.
⁵ Newburn, T 2007, Criminology, Willan Publishing, USA, p. 305.
⁶ CMY2601 Study Guide, 2011:128.
