Gendered Pathways Theory

Gendered Pathways Theory suggests that men and women often experience different social, cultural, and systemic influences that shape their pathways into criminal behavior. It recognizes that gender roles, expectations, and inequalities can impact the types of problems individuals face, such as trauma or marginalization, which may lead to offending. For example, women’s pathways might be linked to issues like abuse or caretaking responsibilities, while men’s pathways might involve different risk factors. The theory emphasizes that understanding these gender-specific experiences can improve prevention and intervention strategies tailored to each group’s unique needs.