Men: Lawbreakers? Exploring Gender-Based Crime Statistics

It is a well-known fact that men are more likely to break the law than women. Criminology, the study of individual and social factors associated with crime, has established that men commit violent and sexual offences at a much higher rate than women. Prison population figures, though only a rough guide, provide tangible evidence of this gender imbalance. In Australia, for example, only about 8% of prisoners are women. While men are also the most common victims of physical violence, women are more likely to be victims of sexual, familial, and domestic violence. Various theories, such as social learning theory and strain theory, have been proposed to explain these gender differences in criminal behaviour. However, the easy dismissal of male criminality with boys will be boys does not stand up to scrutiny and is harmful. To address this issue, law reform, education, and social change are necessary to promote respect and equality.

Imprisonment rates in Australia show men commit more crimes

While it is unclear how much more likely men are to break the law compared to women, imprisonment rates in Australia indicate that men commit more crimes.

In 2022, the imprisonment rate for men in Australia was 378.9 per 100,000 males. In contrast, the imprisonment rate for women is significantly lower, with only about 8% of prisoners being women across Australia. This suggests that men commit a disproportionate number of crimes compared to women.

The disparity in imprisonment rates between men and women can be attributed to various factors. One factor is social learning theory, which suggests that men are more likely than women to associate with antisocial peers. Additionally, men are more likely to exhibit antisocial behaviour and react violently to difficult circumstances or life stresses. This is supported by strain theory, which proposes that challenging situations or life stresses can lead to anger and frustration, which may result in violent reactions more commonly seen in men than women.

Furthermore, edgework theory posits that men are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour, even pushing the boundaries of acceptable conduct. This theory describes men in the criminal justice system as "risky thrill-seekers." In contrast, women in the same system are more likely to be viewed as "at risk."

Psychological studies also play a role in understanding these gender differences. These studies suggest that gender role identification, or internalised characteristics culturally regarded as appropriate for each gender, is a crucial factor in experiencing, expressing, and controlling anger.

Despite these theories, it is essential to recognise that societal expectations and the criminal justice system have positioned women as needing greater protection, which may also contribute to the lower imprisonment rates among women.

Men are more likely to associate with anti-social peers

While there are many factors that contribute to an individual's likelihood of breaking the law, one factor that has been studied is the gender of the individual. It is well-established that men commit violent and sexual offences at far higher rates than women. Criminology research has found that men are more likely than women to associate with antisocial peers. This is supported by a longitudinal study of 1,354 antisocial youth, which found that antisocial individuals choose to affiliate with deviant peers, and that this affiliation is associated with an individual's delinquency.

The social learning theory posits that men are more likely than women to associate with antisocial peers. This is further supported by the fact that men disproportionately exhibit far more antisocial behaviour than women. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that women do not exhibit antisocial behaviour, as women can also be influenced by antisocial peers and exhibit delinquent behaviour.

The influence of peers on antisocial behaviour changes as individuals mature. During middle adolescence, both selection and socialization serve to make peers similar in antisocial behaviour. However, from ages 16 to 20, only socialization appears to be important, as individuals become increasingly resistant to peer influence. After age 20, the impact of peers on antisocial behaviour disappears as individuals become more resistant to peer influence. This suggests that interventions and treatments aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour should focus on equipping individuals with the skills to resist peer influence and promoting prosocial behaviours.

In summary, while men are more likely than women to associate with antisocial peers, it is important to recognize that both men and women can be influenced by antisocial peers and exhibit delinquent behaviour. Interventions and treatments should focus on building resistance to peer influence and promoting prosocial behaviours.

Men are more likely to react violently to difficult circumstances

Research suggests that men are more likely than women to associate with anti-social peers. Other studies indicate that men are more likely to internalise individual characteristics, such as impulsiveness, with their environmental factors, such as family, schooling, religion, and neighbourhood.

Strain theory proposes that difficult circumstances or life stresses can produce anger and frustration that may lead to violence. Evidence suggests that men are likely to react violently to such strains, whereas women are more likely to internalise their responses.

Men are also more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour, even to the edge of acceptable conduct. Men in the criminal justice system are best described as "risky thrill-seekers", while women are more likely to be described as "at risk".

Psychological studies suggest that gender role identification, rather than gender itself, is crucial to the experience, expression, and control of anger. Social constructions of masculinity are associated with dominance, status, competition, bravado among peers, the drive for power and control, shamelessness, and a lack of concern for others.

Men are also more likely to suppress their emotions, which can lead to aggression and violence. This is particularly true if men feel pressure to meet the expectations of manhood.

Biological factors may also play a role. For example, testosterone interacts with social experiences and can contribute to aggressive behaviour. However, biological positivism, which posits that "men can't help themselves", holds very little sway in criminological circles today.

Men are more likely to be described as risky thrill-seekers

While men are more likely to commit violent crimes and exhibit anti-social behaviour, the notion that men are inherently more inclined to take risks has been challenged by research. The idea that men are ""risky thrill-seekers"" is a stereotype that may be influenced by societal expectations of masculinity.

Traditionally, risky behaviour has been assessed through activities associated with macho male posturing, such as gambling or participating in extreme sports. However, recent studies have revealed that women are just as daring as men and are often more willing to step outside their comfort zones. When the definition of risk-taking is expanded to include activities like horseback riding, challenging sexism, or donating a kidney to a family member, women are found to be more likely to engage in risky behaviour than men.

This shift in perspective highlights the importance of recognising societal biases that influence our understanding of gender and risk-taking. Dr Thekla Morgenroth, a researcher from Exeter University, stated, "In our culture, risk is strongly associated with masculinity, and our research shows this also biases how scientists measure risk." By acknowledging and addressing these biases, we can move towards a more accurate and nuanced understanding of risk-taking behaviour among men and women.

While men have historically been associated with thrill-seeking behaviour, cultural changes and shifting societal norms have contributed to a decline in men's sensation-seeking tendencies. A study by researchers from St Andrews University found that modern men are less willing to take on physically challenging activities compared to men in the 1970s. This change may be attributed to various factors, including a potential decline in men's average fitness or the normalisation of certain activities that were once considered extraordinary.

In summary, while men are generally more prone to violent and anti-social behaviour, the notion that they are inherently more inclined towards risk-taking has been challenged. By recognising and addressing societal biases, we can gain a more accurate understanding of gender differences in risk-taking behaviour and move towards a more inclusive and equitable perspective.

Men are more likely to commit sexual crimes

Men are more likely to commit violent crimes, and this includes sexual offences. Criminology, the study of individual and social factors associated with crime, has long established this fact.

Research from the University of South Australia, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Adelaide, reveals that men commit violent and sexual offences at far higher rates than women. While prison population figures are only a rough guide to criminal behaviour, they do indicate that men perpetrate the majority of violent conduct. Across Australia, only about 8% of prisoners are women.

Psychological studies suggest that gender role identification, internalised characteristics culturally regarded as appropriate behaviour for men and women, is crucial to the experience and expression of anger. Men are more likely to associate with antisocial peers and to react violently to difficult circumstances or life stresses.

Research from Binghamton University's Psychology Department found that men who hold rigid beliefs about traditional gender roles, which assume male dominance, are more likely to ignore a lack of consent during sexual encounters. Other factors that predispose men to sexual assault include a callous disregard for others, overt or benevolent sexism, and low empathy.

Statistics from the US show that in 2014, more than 73% of those arrested were male, and men accounted for 80.4% of violent crime arrests, and 62.9% of property crime arrests. In 2011, men were convicted of 89.5% of homicides.

While testosterone is often cited as a reason for men's predisposition to violence, it is not the underlying cause. Socialisation, geographical demographics, trauma, and childhood experiences also play a role.

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