Gendered Justice

Abstract

Research on gender and presentencing investigative reports documents that significant differences regarding male and female offenders exist both in terms of criminal history and type of current offense and in the types of problems experienced by offenders and their motivations for engaging in criminal behaviors. Drawing from attribution theory to understand how probation officers make assessments on the culpability of youth on probation, this study addresses whether differences in probation officers’ descriptions of male and female offenders exist that cannot be explained by the seriousness of the crime or the criminal history of the offender. Results indicate areas of significant quantitative and qualitative differences by gender. Although the findings demonstrate that issues of sexuality, drug use, and family conflict continue to represent significant differential pathways for female offenders, it appears that probation officers are beginning to acknowledge the impact of these factors in explaining delinquent behaviors.