Answered: Which gender is most likely to commit…

Social Psychology (10th Edition)

10th Edition

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ1

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Which gender is most likely to commit crime and what are the key sociological explanations for this?

Expert Solution

Introduction

The studies conducted by Criminologists and otherwise, have revealed that Men are most likely to commit a crime or deviant behavior. The explanation for the same is provided in the following section.

Explanation

The gender difference or gender gap concerning a crime or deviant behaviours are explained by sociology and criminology in the following ways:

The General Theory of Crime developed by Gottfredson and Hirschi views crime in relation to self-control. They argued that individuals with a low level of self-control are most likely to commit the crime. Self-control is lower in men compared to women driving their deviant behavior. They argued, when the low-self control is coupled with opportunity makes crime possible. The level of self-control is determined by the parenting style and how they punish bad behavior from early on. The constraints and lifestyle practiced by women result in higher self-control and thereby reducing their deviant behavior compared to men.
Timothy Brezina, a criminologist, conducted research centered around General Strain Theory, and he explained the gender difference in crime resulting from the various experiences women and men go through. Gender-based socialization, live style, relationships, etc., differentiate the conditioning of women from men. Therefore, the crime committing opportunities are faced less by women compared to men. The delinquent tendency is men is relatively more as their freedom to commit a crime is high.