Changes in the Gender Patterning of Crime, 1953-77: Opportunity vs. Identity

In: Social science quarterly, Band 62, Heft 4, S. 658-671

Abstract

Recent changes in the gender patterning of crime are examined using Uniform Crime Report data from 1953 to 1977. A crucial expectation based on opportunity theory -- that of increasingly similar M-F criminal profiles as opportunities for Fs expand -- is not supported by the data. Age-specific analysis suggests the possibility that changed gender identity patterns provide an equally plausible account of historical trends in F criminality. 5 Tables. HA.