SOC219H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter Online Readings: Gender Role, Labeling Theory, Victim Blaming
Document Summary
The use of gendered narratives in the courtroom: constructing an identity worthy of leniency. Empirical evidence suggests, women receive lighter sentences in court and men receive harsher. Especially if the crime is male against female, this scenario seems to end in the harshest sentencing. Some researchers explain this with the chivalry hypothesis, that judges and lawyers believe in the bad women needed to be protected and coddled. Some disagree, and believe that the lighter sentences are due to familial paternalism . Meaning judges understand that women need to take care of their children and this isn"t possible if incarcerated. As well as believing that men are a danger to the community if released. The present article investigates these interactional processes that produce differential outcomes in the criminal justice system. Looking at how judges and attorneys use gendered narratives to negotiate leniency.
