This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The aims of the module are to:
• Explore gender differences in offending, victimisation, and deployment in the criminal justice system
• Examine theoretical approaches in Criminology and their engagement with issues of gender
• Discuss the main ways in which gender impacts on the operation of the criminal justice system
Topics covered in the module will cover:
• gender and patterns of offending
• a critique of traditional criminology; feminist criminologies; masculinities and crime
• media representations of male and female offenders
• gender in the courtroom, penal system and policing
• women and men as criminal justice professionals
• gender, victimisation and fear of crime.
Contact time: 22 hours;
Private study: 128 hours
Total study hours: 150
BA Criminology and Sociology, BA Law and Criminology, BA Criminology and Social Policy (& Social Change), BA Criminology and Cultural Studies, BA Cultural Studies, BA Sociology
Main assessment methods
One coursework essay of up to 3,000 words (worth 50% of the
module and one examination (worth 50% of the module).
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework
Students are required to purchase one set text: Walklate, S. (2000) Gendering Criminal and Criminal Justice, Devon: Willan Publishing.
The following books are also recommended:
Carlen, P. and Worrall, A. (1987) (Eds.) Gender, Crime and Justice, Buckingham: Open University Press.
Davies, P. (2011) Gender, Crime and Victimisation, London: Sage.
Davies, P., Francis, P. and Greer, C. (2014) Victims, Crime and Society, London: Sage.
Heidensohn, F. (1996) (2nd ed.) Women and Crime, Basingstoke: Macmillan.
Morris, A. (1987) Women, Crime and Criminal Justice, Oxford: Basil Blackwell
Silvestri, M. and Crowther-Dowey, C. (2016) Gender and Crime (2nd Ed) London: Sage.
Walklate, S. (ed) (2012) Gender and Crime, London: Routledge
Students will also be encouraged to make use of relevant websites, particularly the Home Office website.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Use empirical data (including quantitative and qualitative data) to explore and explain different patterns of offending, victimisation and employment in the criminal justice system amongst women and men
8.2 Critically assess traditional criminological theory, feminist critiques and recent debates about the importance of femininity and masculinity to our understanding of criminal behaviour and the workings of the criminal justice system, through engaging directly with theoretical materials
8.3 Describe and evaluate the debates surrounding the differential treatment of women and men in the criminal justice systems as victims, offenders and professionals
8.4 Recognise and evaluate the main empirical and theoretical studies of gender, crime and criminal justice, as well as key policy documents and legislation
8.5 Identify and gather appropriate library and web based resources, make judgments about their merits and use the available evidence to construct an argument to be presented orally or in writing
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate skills in interpreting and analysing research data and official statistics
9.2 Assess the merits of criminological research and use it to construct an argument
9.3 Apply Written and oral communication skills
9.4 Collate material for essays and seminar preparation using databases and the internet as appropriate
9.5 Demonstrate time management, independent learning, and group work skills
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