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Changes in the Gender Patterning of Crime, 1953-1977 Opportunity vs Identity

NCJ Number
81009
Journal
Social Science Quarterly Volume: 62 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1981) Pages: 658-671
Author(s)
G D Hill; A R Harris
Date Published
1981
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Recent changes in the gender patterning of crime are examined using Uniform Crime Report data from 1953 to 1977.
Abstract
A crucial expectation based on opportunity theory - that of increasingly similar male-female criminal profiles as opportunities for females 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 female criminality. (Author abstract)

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