Creating Choices Report on Women's Correctional Reform

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a primary argument for reforming the correctional system for women, according to the Creating Choices Report?

To eliminate community-based sentencing alternatives

To ensure men and women face the same prison conditions

To address the unique needs of women, such as trauma-informed care (correct)

To increase the number of women incarcerated

Which factor contributes to women's engagement in violent acts, as discussed in the material?

A lack of awareness about violent consequences

A natural predisposition to violence

Responses to self-defense, trauma, and power imbalances (correct)

Cultural acceptance of violence among women

How are violent women generally perceived in society?

As leaders in community programs

As role models for feminism

As exceptions to traditional gender norms (correct)

As advocates for violence prevention

What overarching theme is emphasized in the study of violent women in criminology?

Social and psychological factors shape women's violent behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges faced by women in prison that differs from men, according to the content?

Higher prevalence of trauma and abuse histories Signup and view all the answers

What kind of support is emphasized as necessary for survivors of violence?

Community programs and education Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a recommendation made in the Creating Choices Report?

Focusing solely on punitive measures for female offenders Signup and view all the answers

Why is there often underreporting of violence committed by women?

Women are typically seen as caregivers, not aggressors Signup and view all the answers

What are the psychological effects of carding on individuals?

Feelings of humiliation and alienation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes systemic racism?

Societal structures that perpetuate inequality for racial minorities Signup and view all the answers

What are the ongoing consequences of systemic racism?

Generational poverty and limited life opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What has been done in some cities regarding the practice of carding?

Reformation or banning of carding practices Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a characteristic of systemic racism?

Always visible and easily identifiable Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue associated with the racialization of crime?

Certain racial groups are unfairly linked to crime Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary step to counter systemic racism?

Policy changes and dismantling discriminatory structures Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism of carding practices?

They violate rights protecting against arbitrary searches Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary way that male-centered institutions impact society?

They allow for the dominance of male interests and perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes overt sexism?

Direct discrimination like unequal pay. Signup and view all the answers

How does the male stream in media influence cultural norms?

It normalizes male-driven narratives, downplaying female experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does sexism have on gender equality?

Minimizes the experiences of marginalized groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of covert sexism?

A culture that expects women to undertake unpaid domestic work. Signup and view all the answers

What belief commonly contributes to sexism in cultural and social norms?

Men are viewed primarily as leaders or breadwinners. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does media often portray genders, thereby reinforcing stereotypes?

Women often shown in passive roles. Signup and view all the answers

What do the cultural norms associated with sexism often presume about women?

Women are naturally suited to caregiving roles. Signup and view all the answers

What are primary victims defined as?

Individuals directly harmed by the crime Signup and view all the answers

What is secondary victimization?

Victims being treated poorly by society or the justice system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theories explains why certain individuals may be more likely to be victimized?

Routine activities theory Signup and view all the answers

What impact can poor treatment by law enforcement have on victims?

Worsened trauma and emotional distress Signup and view all the answers

According to patterns revealed by victimization data in Canada, which group tends to have higher victimization rates?

Urban residents Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of secondary victims?

They include family members or witnesses of a crime Signup and view all the answers

What is one common emotional effect on victims as a result of experiencing crime?

Emotional distress and isolation Signup and view all the answers

Victim advocacy groups primarily focus on which aspect of victimization?

Supporting victims through rights and services Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge faced by victim services?

Underuse and funding limitations Signup and view all the answers

How does the relationship between police and victimization manifest?

Police efforts can help address victimization. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a core principle of restorative justice?

Community involvement Signup and view all the answers

What does restorative justice emphasize as a means to repair harm?

Reconciliation between offenders, victims, and the community Signup and view all the answers

What impact does distrust in police have on victims, particularly in marginalized communities?

Leads to underreporting of crimes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of organized crime groups?

Profiting through illegal activities Signup and view all the answers

What is a method used in restorative justice to facilitate dialogue?

Mediation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes cybercrime?

Crimes like hacking and identity theft that involve computer networks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method used by organized crime groups to maintain control?

Diplomacy Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a benefit of restorative justice?

It typically provides victim empowerment and reduces recidivism. Signup and view all the answers

How does the transnational nature of organized crime groups impact law enforcement efforts?

It requires cooperation among international agencies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is considered a part of organized crime?

Money laundering Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the significant challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with organized crime?

The groups’ ability to use violence and corruption Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes organized crime's impact on communities?

Undermining public safety and contributing to corruption Signup and view all the answers

In addition to profit generation, what is another goal of organized crime groups?

Expanding their influence internationally Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method organized crime groups use to avoid law enforcement?

Using corruption and intimidation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fall Exam CC100 Study Notes

The exam covers the invisibility of women, malestream, sexism, Lombroso's views on women in crime, Pollack's theories, the conservative/positivist approach, the liberal approach, gender roles, role theory, critiques of mainstream theories, women's liberation thesis, criminalized women, feminization of poverty, racial inequality, systemic discrimination, racial profiling, carding, restorative justice, cybercrime, and more.

Invisibility of Women

Women's experiences, contributions, and issues are often overlooked.
This invisibility manifests in societal narratives, media, history, and research.
In criminology and sociology, it means limited study of women's criminal behavior or victimization.

Historical Invisibility

Women's contributions to history are often minimized or erased in historical narratives, particularly in politics, science, and leadership.

Media Representation

Women are underrepresented in media and are often portrayed in stereotypical roles.
This reinforces societal invisibility.

Workplace Invisibility

Women are underrepresented in leadership roles.
They often do more unpaid labor at home, not economically recognized.

Sexual Violence & Harassment

Women's experiences with sexual violence are often ignored.
Movements like #MeToo raised awareness.

Health and Reproductive Rights

Women's health issues, particularly reproductive ones, are often overlooked.
Menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are often stigmatized.

Political and Legal Invisibility

Historically, women have been excluded from political roles.
Their legal rights such as voting, owning property, etc., have been fought for over time.

Intersectionality

Women of color, working-class, and LGBTQ+ women experience compounded invisibility and oppression.

Feminism

Feminist movements crucial in challenging the invisibility of women.
They advocate for gender equality.
Ensured women's voices heard.

Male Stream

Critiques mainstream, predominantly male-dominated perspectives.
Highlights gender bias in traditional social science theories.

Dominance of Male Perspectives

Society tends to value and normalize male experiences, ignoring those of women.
Male-centered Institutions: Many societal structures benefit men, and male voices/interests are prominent.

Male Stream in Media

Media frequently portrays men in leadership roles while women are depicted in secondary, stereotypical roles.

Cultural Norms

Male stream perpetuates gender inequality by ignoring women's needs, concerns, and contributions.

Sexism

Discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping based on sex or gender.
Manifests in unequal treatment, opportunities, and expectations.
Reinforces gender inequality.

Forms of Sexism

Over Sexism: direct and obvious forms of discrimination.
Covert sexism: subtle or indirect forms, like unconscious biases.
Cultural & Social Norms: embedded in societal norms, depicting certain roles as appropriate to each gender.
Sexism in Media: media portrays men and women in stereotypical ways.

Lombroso + Women in Crime

Cesare Lombroso, an Italian criminologist, believed criminality was inherited and that certain physical characteristics could identify criminals.
Women criminals were biologically inferior and deviant.
This theory is largely discredited for its sexism and biological determinism.

Pollack + Women in Crime

Pollack argued that women commit crimes but are less detectable due to their ability to manipulate social norms and conceal their actions, especially in family life;
"The deceitful sex" theory;
Overlooked factors like class and race.

The Conservative/Positivist Approach

Emphasize traditional values and social order.
Blame for crime on individual moral failings or social breakdown.
Focuses on the scientific methods of study such as psychology or sociology to study criminals and their behaviour.
Emphasizes factors outside the control of individual like biology or environment.

The Liberal Approach

Focus on equality, individual rights, and social justice.
Argues that crime is a result of social inequality and disadvantage ( poverty, education).
Focuses on rehabilitation and prevention of crime.

Gender Roles

Societal expectations, behaviors, and duties assigned based on perceived gender;
Traditional roles: men as breadwinners, and women as caregivers;
Impact on behavior, treatment, and opportunities;
Societal expectations reinforce gender roles through socialization processes including;family, media, education.

Role Theory

Individuals conform to societal expectations based on their roles (mother, daughter, employee).
Explains women's experiences in crime.
Role Expectations: specific behaviors expected from each role.
Role Conflict: difficulty in fulfilling multiple roles.
Role Strain: difficulty in fulfilling the expectations of a single role.
Socialization: the way in which people learn roles through their interactions.
Role Change: individuals adapt their behavior depending on the roles they occupy.

Critiques of Mainstream Theories

Mainstream theories are often gender-blind or rooted in patriarchal assumptions.
They tend to overlook women's victimization and experiences in crime.
The theories don't explain women's experiences in the criminal justice system.

Women's Liberation Thesis

Argues that increased women's equality will lead to increased female crime.
Not fully address structural inequalities women face.

Criminalized Women

Women's involvement in the criminal justice system as offenders or victims.
This involves an intersection of gender, crime, and factors like poverty and abuse.
Often treated more harshly than men due to societal expectations.

Feminization of Poverty

Women disproportionately represented among those living in poverty.
Due to lower wages, unpaid labor, discrimination, and caregiving responsibilities.

Racial Inequality

Disparities in opportunities, treatment, and access to resources.
Racial minorities face discrimination and inequality in education, employment, housing and criminal justice.

Systemic Discrimination

Deeply rooted racial biases and policies.
Lead to inequitable outcomes and disadvantage.
Involves criminal justice practices, education, employment and housing.

Racial Profiling

Targeting individuals based on race or ethnicity without evidence of wrongdoing.
Leads to disproportionately high arrest rates.
Damages trust.

Carding

Police practices of stopping people on the street, asking for information without reasonable suspicion.
Disproportionately impacts racialized groups.

Restorative Justice

Focus on repairing harm caused by criminal behavior.
Involves victims, offenders and community.
Aims for reconciliation, healing, and community involvement.

Cybercrime

Criminal activities involving computers, networks.
Hacking, identity theft, online fraud, etc.

Corporate Crime

Illegal actions committed by corporations or individuals within corporations for profit.
Examples include fraud, environmental violations, bribery, etc.

White Collar Crime

Non-violent criminal activity often linked to business professionals;
examples: fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, bribery.
More complex to detect or address.

Organized Crime

Criminal activities carried out by structured groups for profit.
Involves violence, intimidation, corruption, and various illegal operations.

Colonialism

Domination and exploitation of one country over another.
Often involves military control, resource extraction, and cultural suppression.
Involved legacy of inequality and resistance.

Section 718.2(e)

Legal mandate for judges to consider special circumstances of Indigenous offenders when sentencing.
Factors to consider: impact of colonization, discrimination, trauma.

R v. Gladue

Case that clarifies Section 718.2(e).
Encourages Gladue Reports as well as restorative justice in sentencing decisions.

Gladue Courts

Specialized courts designed to address the unique needs of Indigenous offenders.
Culturally sensitive sentencing procedures; focus on healing and rehabilitation.

Predatory Crimes

Criminal acts involving active harm.
Often for profit (robbery, extortion, assault).

Consensual Crimes

illegal activities where all parties agree
Examples include drug use, gambling, prostitution.
Frequently seen as 'victimless crimes'.

Organized Crime Groups

Structured groups engaged in illegal activities (gangs, cartels, mafias).
Operates in a hierarchical manner, using violence and corruption.

Alien Conspiracy Theory

Suggests that organized crime is controlled by foreign or international groups often involving stereotypes about particular racial groups.

Ethnic Succession Theory

Ethnic groups replace each other in organized crime.
New immigrant groups take over existing social roles.
Explores the dynamics of competition and replacement.

Economic Theory

Links organized crime to economic factors (poverty, lack of opportunity, inequality).
Explains how economic structures support/drive criminal behaviour.

Role of the State in OC

The state can be involved in organized crime.
Corruption can enable or shield organized crime groups.
State policies might create vulnerabilities.

Bureaucratic/Hierarchy Model

Describes the structured approach, focusing on clear roles and responsibilities in organized crime.
Follows a chain of command.
Includes specific duties, rules and regulations.

Kinship Theory

Focuses on family and social ties;
How family bonds or related groups organize and control criminal activity.
These models can be used by various ethnic groups.

Patron-Client Model

Relationship of loyalty and favors in the criminal group.
A powerful criminal (patron) offers protection and favors in exchange for loyalty.

Network Model

Decentralized and informal structure;
Members may operate with a degree of independence and temporary involvement.

Highway of Tears

Series of disappearances and murders of Indigenous women and girls on Highway 16 in British Columbia.
Highlights systemic issues in policing and the criminal justice system.

Victims Services

Support for victims of crime.
Including counseling and crisis intervention.
Resources available from NGOs and the government.

Police+Victimization

Police role: responding to crimes, investigating, ensuring victim rights.
Challenges: Underreporting, corruption, marginalized communities face heightened scrutiny.

Cyberbullying

Occurs online via digital platforms (social media, etc).
Includes harassment, abuse, and intimidation.

Cyberterrorism

Use of the internet to cause harm, fear, or disruption;
Includes hacking critical infrastructure.

E-Crime

Illegal activities done through digital devices or the internet, often involving fraud or identity theft.

Ransomware

Malware that encrypts data, demanding payment.
Attacks targeting critical infrastructure, businesses, and individuals.

Digital Paraphilia

Illegal sexual behaviors using digital technology.
Includes activities like child pornography and exploitation.

Deviant Cyber Communities

Online communities promoting criminal or deviant behavior.
Examples: hacking forums, dark web markets, extremist groups.

The Enron Scandal

Large energy company hid debt and inflated profits through deceptive accounting practices.
Involved high-level management and auditing failures.

Financial Collapse of 2008

Risky mortgage lending, bursting housing bubble, and financial institutions' failure.
Led to a global recession, economic crisis, and increased regulation.

Combating White-Collar Crime

Steps to address and prevent white-collar crimes.
Includes regulation, governance, education, and global cooperation.

Ponzi Schemes

Fraudulent investment scheme promising high returns.
Relies on new investor funds to pay earlier investors, unsustainable.

Insider Trading

Use of non-public information for stock trading to gain an unfair advantage.

Pump and Dump

Stock manipulation scheme inflating prices through false information, and selling at artificially high price.

Employee Fraud

Dishonesty by employees within the work environment, such as embezzlement, falsifying records or misappropriation of assets.

Occupational Crime

Non-violent crimes committed by individuals in their occupations.
Often linked to a violation of trust, laws or ethical standards, especially in workplace and company environment..

Organizational Crime

Criminal activities of a business impacting the public sphere.

Class and White Collar Crime

The impact of social class on criminal behavior
White-collar crime is often committed by individuals in higher social classes.
Often associated with lesser penalties than street crimes.

Executive Disengagement

Executives ignore ethical implications and focuses on short-term profit.
This often results in scandals and loss of trust.

Criminogenic Market Structure

Economic structures that encourage crime.
Includes weak regulation, high profits, lack of oversight, or corruption.

Victimization

Studying trauma, emotional distress, financial harm and societal impacts of victims of crime.
Examination of victim characteristics, categories and their treatment by the criminal justice system.
Exploring risk factors that contribute to victimization.

Secondary Victimization

Poor treatment or revictimization by the justice system, media, or society.
Can exacerbate the initial trauma.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores key arguments and insights from the Creating Choices Report, focusing on the unique challenges faced by women in the correctional system. Questions cover factors contributing to violent behavior among women, societal perceptions, and necessary supports for survivors of violence. Test your understanding of this significant topic in criminology.