Jonah Patel
From a feminist theory perspective, deviance dysfunction is examined through the lens of gender inequality and the impact it has on women's experiences of crime and deviance. Feminist theorists argue that the objectification of women and gender inequality contribute to sexual crimes against women, such as rape and sexual assault, which have been historically underreported and ignored. They also critique the medicalization of women's deviance, attributing it to physiological or psychiatric pathology, and challenge the notion that women's deviance deviates from gender stereotypes. Additionally, feminist analysis explores the regulation of women's bodies and the power dynamics within families and society that control women's behaviour. Overall, the feminist perspective on deviance dysfunction seeks to understand how gender inequality and power structures influence women's experiences and treatment within the criminal justice system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feminist theory perspective | Deviance is a result of gender inequality and the objectification of women |
| Rape is seen as an expression of men's dominance over women | |
| Women's deviance is often medicalized and seen as a product of psychiatric pathology | |
| Women are controlled by men in different spheres of public life, which leads to fewer opportunities to commit crimes | |
| Women are often victims of violent crimes that are sexual in nature, such as sexual harassment and assault | |
| Domestic violence and sex crimes are underreported |
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What You'll Learn
Rape as an expression of male dominance
From a feminist theory perspective, rape is understood primarily as an expression of male dominance over women. This view holds that rape is not merely an act of violence, but a violation of consent and control over one's body. It is a way of establishing dominance in an unequal relationship, where the perpetrator seeks to exert power and control over the victim.
Rape culture, a term coined by Hall and Flannery, refers to a system where male dominance and female resistance are seen as inherent aspects of sexual relationships. In such a culture, rape becomes a means of proving one's manhood and establishing masculinity, often driven by a sense of sexual entitlement. This culture is perpetuated through misogynistic language, the objectification of women, and the glamorization of sexual violence, ultimately creating an environment that disregards women's rights and safety.
While rape is typically associated with male perpetrators and female victims, it is important to acknowledge that men can also be victims of sexual assault. The reluctance of male victims to speak up is often attributed to patriarchy, which makes the experience of rape particularly shameful for men. Furthermore, rape is not solely about gender; it can also be understood through a lens of power dynamics and social circumstances. For instance, rape can occur when an individual of weaker social position violates someone of a perceived higher social status, as a means of asserting power.
From a psychological perspective, rape is often motivated by a need to dominate and control. This motive is not limited to gender dynamics but can also be observed in cases where offenders control their violence selectively, such as only assaulting their partners and not others. Additionally, rape is not driven by sexual desire but by hostility, power, and the intent to inflict violence, humiliation, and degradation.
The objectification of women in culture and media plays a significant role in perpetuating rape as an expression of male dominance. By reducing women to objects, rape culture reinforces the idea that women are inferior and exist for men's pleasure and control. This contributes to a societal mindset that enables and excuses sexual violence.
In summary, rape as an expression of male dominance is a complex issue that involves societal norms, power dynamics, and the objectification of women. It is a violation of consent and control, impacting both women and men. Addressing rape culture requires a shift towards open discussions about individual liberty, consent, and the equal worth of all individuals beyond their gender.
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Gender inequality and crime
From a feminist theory perspective, gender inequality and crime are closely intertwined. Feminist theorists argue that women's experiences of deviance are not fundamentally different from men's. They examine the ways in which gender inequality influences opportunities to commit crimes, as well as the definition, detection, and prosecution of crimes.
One example of how gender inequality intersects with crime is through the objectification of women, which has been cited as a factor in men committing rape. Additionally, child molesters often fail to meet cultural standards of masculinity, which can be a contributing factor to their deviant behaviour.
Historically, there has been a tendency to medicalize women's deviance, attributing it to physiological or psychiatric pathology. For instance, in the late 19th century, kleptomania was used as a diagnosis to explain why "good" middle- and upper-class women resorted to stealing department store items. This medicalization pathologized women's newfound independence from men and reinforced the notion of women as the "weaker" sex.
Feminist perspectives also scrutinize violent crimes against women, particularly those of a sexual nature. The #MeToo movement brought to light numerous accounts of sexual harassment and assault experienced by women from various backgrounds. Feminist theorists analyze these issues through a macrosociological lens, focusing on power and structures, as well as a microsociological lens, considering the personal identification of individuals with similar experiences.
Furthermore, feminist scholars like Heidensohn have explored the criminal justice system's treatment of women, suggesting that women who deviate from traditional gender stereotypes may face harsher treatment. Heidensohn's control theory explains the lower rate of officially recorded crimes among women by highlighting the control exerted by men in various spheres of public life, including the home, public spaces, and the workplace. However, this theory has also been criticized for underplaying women's agency and choice in offending behaviours.
In conclusion, feminist theory sheds light on how gender inequality shapes both the experiences of deviance and the understanding of crime. By examining societal structures, power dynamics, and individual experiences, feminist perspectives contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between gender inequality and crime.
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The double deviance thesis
Feminist theorists argue that women's experiences of deviance are inherently different from men's. They examine the ways in which the state regulates women's bodies and the prevalence of violent crimes against women that are sexual in nature. The #MeToo movement, for example, brought to light numerous accounts of women from various backgrounds who experienced sexual harassment and assault by people in positions of power. Feminist theorists analyse these issues through a macrosociological lens, focusing on power structures, and a microsociological lens, exploring personal identification and the sharing of similar experiences.
The historical medicalisation of women's deviance further exemplifies the unique challenges faced by women. In the late 19th century, kleptomania was often used as a legal defence, associating women's stealing behaviour with physiological or psychiatric illness. This pathologisation of deviant behaviour was influenced by gender inequality and the perception of women as the "weaker" sex.
Heidensohn's control theory offers additional insight into the lower rate of officially recorded crimes among women. Heidensohn's work, which combines qualitative and quantitative methods, suggests that women have fewer opportunities to commit crimes due to the control exerted by men in various spheres of public life, including the home, public spaces, and the workplace. However, it is important to acknowledge that this theory has been criticised for underplaying the agency and choice that women possess in offending behaviours.
In summary, the double deviance thesis highlights the differential treatment of women by the CJS, particularly those who challenge gender stereotypes. Feminist theorists provide valuable insights into the unique experiences of women regarding deviance, victimisation, and the criminal justice system. By examining societal structures, historical contexts, and individual experiences, a more comprehensive understanding of women's complex relationship with deviance and crime can be achieved.
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Medicalization of women's deviance
From a feminist theoretical perspective, deviance is often examined in the context of gender inequality and how it influences the opportunities to commit crime, as well as the definition, detection, and prosecution of crime. This includes studying violent crimes against women that are sexual in nature, such as the #MeToo movement, where women have come forward with experiences of sexual harassment and assault. Feminist theorists also examine the ways in which the state regulates women's bodies and the double standards that exist in the treatment of deviance.
The medicalization of women's deviance refers to the tendency to view women's deviant behaviour as a product of physiological or psychiatric pathology. This perspective contributes to the perception of women's deviance as a form of dysfunction. For example, in the 19th century, kleptomania was used as a legal defence, linking women's stealing of consumer items to female physiological or psychiatric illness. This medicalization of women's deviance stems from the belief in the "weaker" sex, justifying the diagnosis of illness for behaviours that could not be easily explained otherwise.
Feminist theorists argue that women's experiences of deviance are not inherently different from those of men. They challenge the idea that deviance is determined by biological or psychological factors unique to women. Instead, they attribute deviance to societal factors, such as the unequal distribution of resources and power dynamics. By medicalizing women's deviance, society reinforces gender stereotypes and justifies the differential treatment of women who deviate from these norms.
Heidensohn's control theory offers insight into women's experiences of crime and the criminal justice system (CJS). This theory suggests that women have lower rates of officially recorded crime due to the control exerted by men in various spheres of public life, including the home, public spaces, and the workplace. However, this theory has been criticized for underplaying women's agency and choice in offending behaviours.
The double deviance thesis further elaborates on the differential treatment of women by the CJS. It suggests that women who deviate from gender stereotypes are treated more harshly by the justice system. This thesis highlights the intersection of deviance and gender, demonstrating how societal expectations of femininity influence the interpretation and consequences of women's deviant behaviours.
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Sexual violence and harassment
From a feminist perspective, sexual violence and harassment are seen as manifestations of men's dominance over women and the objectification of women in culture. Feminist theorists argue that rape is primarily an expression of male dominance and power over women, rather than simply a crime of sexual desire or passion. This perspective highlights how rape and sexual violence are tools to maintain and reinforce patriarchal power structures, where men hold the majority of societal power.
Feminist analysis of sexual harassment and violence in the workplace has revealed the gendered nature of organizational power. Heterosexuality is often rendered compulsory, and deviations from traditional masculine and feminine gender roles are punished. This perspective challenges the notion that sexual harassment is merely about sexual desire or individual pathology, instead arguing that it is a form of bullying and discrimination rooted in gender power imbalances.
Same-sex sexual harassment, for example, can be understood through the lens of gendered power dynamics. Samuels (2003), as cited by Brogan et al. (1999) and Pryor and Whalen (1997), argues that even when women hold senior positions, they are made more vulnerable due to their gender. This perspective highlights how societal power dynamics, particularly regarding gender, influence the occurrence of sexual harassment.
From a legal standpoint, feminists have advocated for a distinct feminist approach to be integrated into the law on sexual harassment. This includes recognizing sexual harassment as rooted in patriarchy rather than merely aberrant behavior. Wood (1994) emphasizes the critical role of the legal system in contesting gender ideologies and establishing women's perspectives as the basis for judgments of sexual harassment.
Overall, feminist theory provides valuable insights into understanding sexual violence and harassment as systemic issues rooted in power imbalances and the objectification of women. By recognizing the gendered nature of these issues, feminists advocate for legal and social responses that address the underlying power dynamics contributing to sexual violence and harassment.
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Frequently asked questions
Feminist theorists argue that women's experiences of deviance are essentially no different from men's. They examine violent crimes against women that are sexual in nature, such as rape, which is seen as an expression of men's dominance over women. Feminist analysis also focuses on how gender inequality influences the opportunities to commit crimes and the definition, detection, and prosecution of crimes.
The double deviance thesis suggests that the criminal justice system (CJS) treats some women more harshly than others, particularly those who deviate from traditional gender stereotypes. Feminist perspectives question why domestic violence and sex crimes are underreported and examine the ways in which women are victimized and controlled in society.
Feminist theorists have highlighted the tendency to medicalize women's deviance, attributing it to physiological or psychiatric pathology. For example, in the 19th century, kleptomania was used as a defense in legal cases, linking female stealing to psychiatric illness rather than acknowledging the growing independence of women.
