In understanding the status of feminist theories particularly in criminology, scholars have identified an approach that clearly shows the status of women in society. In their view, they argue that the majority of social scientists particularly those dealing with feminism are driven with one ultimate objective. This objective is to identify the sources of gender inequality and draft measures that are intended to empower women to overcome this inequality. It is evident that many theories in criminology are guided by frameworks unlike other theoretical views in the discipline (Morash, 2006). Feminist criminology is a discipline that study crime and criminal justice in relation to sex and gender. In understanding the social world, feminist scholars make a distinction between feminist inquiry and traditional criminological inquiry. They borrow from diverse theoretical backgrounds and have argued that women should play a fundamental role in inquiry. To them, gender is a complex social and cultural product hence not a natural fact. Feminist theories, unlike other theoretical perspectives, maintain that understanding of gender and gender relations is the starting point of appreciating and theorizing crime and criminality.
In addition, findings in criminology demonstrate that men are more likely than women to participate in activities labeled as criminal. Feminist scholars dismiss the notion that gender is more of individualistic (Belknap, 2007). Most theories in criminology only focus on explaining crime and finding justice. Feminist scholars attempt to link gender inequality as a guiding principle in relation to crime, criminal justice as well as violence against women. The understanding is that there is a cycle of violence that reflects the past and the present. They maintain that there is a strong connection among crime, gender and victimization. As a matter of fact, ideologies about gender are embedded in the social life and show the fundamental differences between men and women. The interpretation is that men and women perceive operations, policies and practices in relation to their gender thus guiding their social practices. Traditional theories of criminology have received notable criticism (Belknap, 2007). It is clear that in its analysis of crimes, traditional theories have ignored gender. They focus on men participation in crime identifying women as unimportant. Moreover, theories, which are based on beliefs about the difference between men and women are often reflected in criminological theory. Beliefs such as women’s weakness and emotionality account for women’s involvement and the nature of criminal activities.
There is a variation in gender ratio of crime. Because women and men are brought up in diverse conditions, their perception of crime is shaped especially by class inequality and race (Morash, 2006). Feminist inquiry also focuses on the study of masculinity and crime. Historically, the nature of male offending was highly assumed but not theorized but recent works examine criminal behavior of men in relation to gendered theories. In the book, the Invisible Woman, the author is mainly concerned about the study of women as victims, as well as offenders in the criminal justice system. Studies consistently commit women and girls fewer, less serious and violent crimes than boys and men. It is evident that women are working in prisons and jails experience abuse and violent treatment. Gender-based abuse is predominant, and it is now a global concern (Belknap, 2007). Medical reports showed that the girl child experience maltreatment even at a younger age and repeated abuse by intimate partners generate worst psychiatric history.
In conclusion, various elements play a critical role in eliminating gender-based violence, crimes and victimization. The media, for example, can inform about the dangers of such abuse and report cases relating to violence against women to authorities. These serve to deter any kind of involvement in criminal activities.
References
Belknap, J. (2007). The invisible woman: Gender, crime, and justice. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
Morash, M. (2006). Understanding gender, crime and justice. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.
