Overview
This lecture discusses Talcott Parsons' sex role theory and its relevance to understanding gender differences in crime rates, particularly focusing on family socialization and changing gender roles.
Sex Role Theory and Family Roles
- Talcott Parsons argued that males and females are socialized into different family roles: instrumental (male) and expressive (female).
- Instrumental role: males provide financial support and discipline for the family.
- Expressive role: females care for emotional needs, nurture children, and manage domestic labor.
- Socialization into these roles impacts future behaviors and gendered patterns in criminality.
Gender Socialization and Crime
- Girls, guided by mothers in the home, are socialized into expressive roles, making them less prone to crime.
- Boys, with less fatherly presence, may be inadequately socialized into masculine norms, leading to increased risk of criminality.
- Boys are encouraged towards aggressive, competitive activities and given more independence, increasing criminal opportunity.
- Girls are more protected, have restricted freedom, and are thus less likely to commit crimes.
Peer Influence and Subcultures
- Boys may seek masculine status and peer approval in subcultures or gangs, further reinforcing deviant behaviors.
- Peer reinforcement of aggression and competitiveness is linked to increased male criminality.
Extensions and Critiques of Sex Role Theory
- Cohen linked inadequate socialization in lone parent families to higher crime rates in boys.
- New Right theorists like Charles Murray emphasized the role of single-parent upbringing in male crime.
- Tony Sewell linked higher lone parenthood rates in black communities to gang membership, although faced criticism for reinforcing stereotypes.
- Critical race theorists and black fathers groups challenge Sewell’s conclusions as promoting harmful stereotypes.
Limitations in Contemporary Society
- Sex role theory is based on outdated concepts of gender, socialization, and the nuclear family structure.
- Increased diversity in families and rising female criminality challenge the applicability of Parsons’ theory today.
- Modern women’s greater assertiveness and freedom offer more opportunities for female crime, supporting Adler's liberation thesis.
- Heidensohn and Carlen argue historical low female crime rates resulted from excessive social control over women.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sex Role Theory — Parsons’ idea that males and females are socialized into distinct roles, contributing to behavioral differences including crime.
- Instrumental Role — Family role focused on providing and discipline, typically assigned to males.
- Expressive Role — Family role centered on emotional support and nurturing, typically assigned to females.
- Socialization — The process of learning society’s norms and roles through family and upbringing.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Parsons’ sex role theory and critiques for upcoming discussions.
- Read about the liberation thesis and feminist perspectives on female criminality.