What is a common critical view of Heidensohn and Carlen's theories?

What is a common critical view of Heidensohn and Carlen's theories?

• A. They ignore socio-economic factors in crime
• B. They overemphasize free will in criminal behavior
• C. They attribute women's behavior strictly to external patriarchal forces
• D. They fail to address male criminality

Answer: (C)

Heidensohn and Carlen's theories primarily focus on the ways in which patriarchy influences women's behavior and criminality. The critical view that they attribute women's behavior strictly to external patriarchal forces highlights a significant aspect of their work that some sociologists argue is overly deterministic. This perspective suggests that these theorists might downplay the agency or individual choice of women in navigating their circumstances. By concentrating predominantly on how external societal structures, particularly those rooted in patriarchy, shape women's actions, Heidensohn and Carlen might overlook personal factors, socialization, and individual experiences that also play a vital role in influencing behavior. This criticism is important as it emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of women's crime that includes various internal and external factors, rather than attributing their actions solely to external oppression.

Heidensohn and Carlen's theories primarily focus on the ways in which patriarchy influences women's behavior and criminality. The critical view that they attribute women's behavior strictly to external patriarchal forces highlights a significant aspect of their work that some sociologists argue is overly deterministic. This perspective suggests that these theorists might downplay the agency or individual choice of women in navigating their circumstances. By concentrating predominantly on how external societal structures, particularly those rooted in patriarchy, shape women's actions, Heidensohn and Carlen might overlook personal factors, socialization, and individual experiences that also play a vital role in influencing behavior. This criticism is important as it emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of women's crime that includes various internal and external factors, rather than attributing their actions solely to external oppression.