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Abstract

Using data from the Ministry of Justice (2015-2017), this dissertation will examine the role of gender in the sentencing outcomes for male and females found guilty of sexual offences against children. The dissertation will examine how social constructs of gender has influenced the criminal justice system and societies perceptions of female sex offenders and to some extent, the victims. A small number of studies have examined the gender gap and this dissertation will examine if the gender gap between male and females exist for sex offences against children. Furthermore, it will focus on extra-familial offences to identify if this gap is consistent across multiple charges. This research is grounded in the theoretical perspective of chivalry and paternalism theories as well as selected chivalry, otherwise known as ‘evil women theory’.
Research indicates the age of the victim appears to influence the sentencing outcomes as does severity of offence as female defendants receive less severe sentences than males in most offences involving older children. Finally, the dissertation identified that social commentary on female teachers with students aged 16 or over attracted lower levels of negative sentiment than male teachers, however there was less rationalisation for their offending. Unsurprisingly, female teachers who had sexual contact with male students under the age of 16 received more scorn than those above 16.
In contrast, female students aged 16 having relationships with male teachers experienced a greater proportion of victim blaming comments than male victims in both under and over 16 categories. This is contrary to usual double-standards where males are perceived to be more in control of sexual experiences and almost applauded for losing their virginity at a young age. What became clear from the victim blaming comments was that moral outrage towards the increasing sexualisation of children, especially female, was the primary sentiment expressed

Course: Counter Fraud and Criminal Justice Studies - BSc (Hons) - C1592

Date Deposited: 2020-11-23

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13618.html