Gender inequality and homicide: a cross-national examination

ABSTRACT

Studies examining gender inequality and crime have often explored the connection between female victimisation and crime. However, feminist theories do provide a rationale for gender inequality affecting all crime, not just female victimisation. Using the ameliorative and the backlash hypothesis the current analysis examined gender inequality and homicide in 94 countries. Using a gender inequality index, we found that as gender inequality increased the homicide rate increased. This finding supports the ameliorative hypothesis, which states that as societies become more equal crime will decrease.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender inequality
• homicide
• cross-national
• inequality
• feminist

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mark H. Heirigs

Mark H. Heirigs is a graduate assistant pursuing his Ph.D. at Iowa State University in the Department of Sociology. He received his MA in sociology with a college teaching emphasis at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he was a graduate teaching fellow in the Department of Sociology and Corrections. His research interests are in the areas of cross-national criminology, suicide, and social inequalities.

Matthew D. Moore

Matthew D. Moore is an assistant professor at the University of Central Arkansas. His research interests are in the areas of cross-national criminology, social capital, and suicide.