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Past studies explained gender and crime through psychological and biological aspects. However, now specific sociological theories analyze the gender differences when it comes to committing crime. Brezina research focuses on the General Strain Theory, specifically, on why males and females appear to have a gap rate in crime. It is claimed that the gender gap of crime is associated with different strains and various types of experiences male and female go through. For instance, their socialization, life events, home life, and relationships differ from one another. Therefore, causing the study to suggest that males are more closely related to crime and delinquency. For the reason being that males are more exposed to harsh punishment from their parents while growing up, negative experiences at school, no support system, and homelessness; which gives them more freedom to commit a crime. In addition, Brezina, points out that some males tend to see crime as acceptable because they favor their "internalized “masculine” values."

Females have limited opportunities when it comes to committing crime, according to Brezina. For instance, females are more dedicated to family and friends, have higher parental supervision, and are less likely to link themselves to delinquent peers. Therefore, their strains would be high family demands and lose of friendship. This leads to them reacting to strain differently than males. Instead of coping their strain with crime, they express it with their emotions to eliminate the stress. The emotional response females receive, are fear, guilt, anxiety, or shame; which decreases their chances of committing a crime. In addition, females have a great amount of social support, which also leads to lower rate of crime. The types of strain that males and females experience can be an understanding of why there is a gender gap in crime.

References:

Brezina, T. (2017, February 27). General Strain Theory. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Criminology. Ed. Retrieved 4 Dec. 2018, from http://oxfordre.com/criminology/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264079.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264079-e-249.

Broidy, Lisa and Robert Agnew. 1997. “Gender and Crime: A General Strain Theory Perspective.” Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency 34:275-306.

Puhrmann, Aaron, "Gender and General Strain Theory: An Examination of the Role of Gendered Strains and Negative Emotions on Crime" (2015). Open Access Dissertations. 1551. https://scholarlyrepository.miami.edu/oa_dissertations/1551