Working with offenders
Gender differences in offending
This paper draws together the key findings of research on whether the risk factors for offending differ for males and females. The brothers and sisters of convicted male offenders were studied. The research examined how effective risk factors were in predicting the offending of these brothers and sisters. It also looked at gender differences in risk factors and how this information can be used to develop better prevention techniques.
Title: Gender differences in risk factors for
offending
Authors: David Farrington & Kate Painter
Series: Home Office Findings 196
Number of pages: 4
Date published: February 2004
The main aims of this research were to:
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investigate similarities and differences in risk factors for offending (as measured by convictions) of boys and girls
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compare criminal careers of males and females in the same families.
The main focus is on socio-economic, family and child-rearing risk factors. There have been very few large-scale community-based surveys where risk factors for offending by boys and girls have been compared. By comparing boys and girls in the same families, many other influences on offending such as those of neighbourhood and community are controlled.
Key points
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The prevalence of convictions for criminal offences was much higher for brothers (at 44%) than for sisters (12%).
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The type of offence varied between brothers and sisters. Burglary and theft of vehicles were more prevalent for brothers; shoplifting and deception offences for sisters.
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Although important risk factors for brothers and sisters were similar, there were some gender differences. For example, socio-economic and child-rearing factors (such as low family income and poor parental supervision) were more important for sisters, and parental characteristics (such as nervous fathers and mothers) were more predictive of offending for brothers
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Risk scores predicted offending more accurately for sisters than for brothers. For example, in predicting early onset offending, the proportion of sisters convicted increased from 2% of those with no risk factors to 21% of those with 4-5 risk factors compared with an increase from 9% to 40% for brothers.
Getting a copy
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Gender differences in risk factors for offending from
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Last update: 23/02/04