Doing Gender in Criminology: still relevant to our research, our discipline, and our professional lives

• In Event: Theoretical Criminology Panel: Is Criminology Still Male-Dominated?

Abstract

Gender is a situated accomplishment and the leading predictor of crime. In this presentation, I will raise some questions about the continuing importance of understanding gendered dynamics of crime and justice issues as scholars, and what it may mean for criminology as a discipline. With the second wave women’s movement, much theory and empirical evidence contributed to a surge of gender being taken seriously, and yet also contributed to some blind spots where women of color and issues of race and class might have been glossed over. Since then, established alliances among scholars also interested in race, class and gender combined, has cultivated more nuanced and well-rounded understanding of crime and justice issues. Furthermore, feminist scholars with interest in globalization have expanded criminology to include gender, race, and class internationally. Cultivating women scholars in criminology has been central to this shift away from male dominance and towards a more inclusive culture. In many ways the gains have been significant. In other ways, there remains much to be done. Some thoughts on continuing to level the playing field in criminology will be shared.

Author

• Kim Cook, University of North Carolina, Wilmington