Women Breaking Stereotypes: When Femininity Meets Crime

The recent headlines dominated by young Indian women accused of killing their husbands have stirred discussions about conventional gender roles and crime. These cases have challenged societal perceptions, questioning why women engage in crime and how they are treated differently than their male counterparts.

Experts attribute these societal reactions to what British criminologist Frances Heidensohn calls the double deviance theory, where women, by committing crimes, violate both legal and gender norms. This theory explains the intensified societal response to female crimes.

The dynamics of these crimes also highlight deeper societal issues, such as rigid gender roles and unrealistic standards for women. The rarity of female criminality, coupled with societal bias, often leads to sensationalized media coverage, which reflects discomfort with women breaking traditional roles.

(With inputs from agencies.)