Crime statistics show that crime is overwhelmingly a male activity. In addition, women have traditionally been perceived to be less criminal than men. Both biological and psychological theories have been advanced to explain differences in male and female criminality, although these explanations are inadequate. Additional theories have focused on sex roles and on their effects on opportunities for illegal activity as well as expectations regarding behavior. Freda Adler has used sex role theory to assert that women's emancipation has led to an increase in women's crime. However, women's increasing participation in the work force has not been accompanied by equal job opportunities or pay. In addition, women are not equal in political life and still carry the major burden of both domestic and child care responsibilities even when they are employed full-time. Even if Adler's view were accepted, it cannot explain the fact that the women's movement has mainly affected middle-class women, while crime has had its greatest impact among working-class women. However, lack of knowledge about reporting patterns makes it impossible to provide accurate data on crimes committed. The growing perceptions and concerns about women's involvement in crime may result from the perceptions of a threat to the social order posed by women's changing position in society. Figures, 10 footnotes, and a list of 60 references are provided.