A Consideration of Gender in Relation to Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance

Abstract

This article considers Ronald Akers' book, Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance, in relation to knowledge about crimes against women and the relationship of gender to type, pattern and amount of crime. Contributions of the book are summarized, and shortcomings discussed. Specific criticisms are lack of integration with feminist theory in the areas of conceptualizing and measuring crime and deviance and a failure to consider gender structure. The final discussion focuses on implications for theory development.