Based on statistical evidence and research, this study argues that female crime is less common and generally less severe than male crime; however, in some countries, female crime is increasing in both volume and severity. The author concludes that the primary cause of all three characteristics of female crime is the particular role and position of women within society in all areas of life. This leads to the conclusion that the gap between male crime and female crime will narrow as the role and position of the genders approach one another. There is no basis to believe, according to the author, that differences in male and female criminality stem from any inherent differences in the biological and psychological characteristics of men and women. Further, the book concludes that as the role and position of the genders approach one another, there will not be an overall increase in crime, because male crime will decrease in volume and severity as female crime increases on both counts. This decrease in male crime will be due to a decrease in male aggressiveness associated with the dominant gender role in society. Chapter notes, 39 tables, a 209-item bibliography, and a subject index