GENDER, CRIME AND JUSTICE:

TOPIC:1

1. GENDER
DEFINTION.
Gender refers to the social, cultural, and psychological attributes, roles, behaviours, and
expectations that a society considers appropriate for individuals based on their perceived or
assigned sex. It encompasses a wide range of characteristics and identities that may include
masculinity, femininity, and non-binary identities. Gender is not solely determined by
biological factors but is also influenced by socialization, cultural norms, and individual
experiences. Gender identity is how individuals perceive themselves in terms of their gender,
which may or may not align with the sex assigned to them at birth. Gender expression refers
to how individuals outwardly express their gender through behaviour, appearance, and
clothing. Gender is a complex and multifaceted aspect of identity that varies across cultures
and societies.

2. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEX AND GENDER.

SEX: This refers to the biological characteristics that categorize individuals as male, female,
or intersex. These characteristics typically include chromosomes, hormones, reproductive
organs, and secondary sexual characteristics. Sex is typically assigned at birth based on
physical characteristics, such as genitalia, but it's important to recognize that biological sex is
not strictly binary; there is a range of intersex variations that may not fit typical definitions of
male or female.

GENDER: Gender is a social and cultural construct that refers to the roles, behaviors,
activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men, women, and other
gender identities.
Gender influences an individual's role, expectations, and interactions within society. It affects
everything from the clothing and professions deemed appropriate, to behaviors and personal
interactions.

3. DEFINE KEY TERMS:

i. PATRIARCHY.
The word patriarchy literally means the rule of the father or the "patriarch" and originally
it was used to describe a specific type of "male-dominated family"-the large household of
the patriarch which included women, junior men, children, slaves and domestic servants all
under the rule of this dominant male. Now it is used more generally to refer to male
domination, to the power relationships by which men dominate women, and to characterise a
system whereby women are kept subordinate in a number of ways. In South Asia, for
example, it is called pitrasatta in Hindi, pidarshahi in Urdu and pitratontro in Bangla. The
subordination that we experience at a daily level, regardless of the class we might belong to,
takes various forms - discrimina-tion, disregard, insult, control, exploitation, oppression,
violence - within the family, at the place of work, in society. The details may be different, but
the theme is the same

ii. GENDER SOCIALIZATION

iii. DIVISION OF LABOR(GENDER BASED DIVISION OF
LABOR)
iv. GENDER ROLE.
v. GENDER STERIOTYPE (& 4 CATEGORIES OF
G.STERIOTP)
vi. GENDER DISCRIMINATION.
vii. GENDER BIAS.
viii. GENDER MAINSTREAMING.
Gender mainstreaming is a strategy for promoting gender equality by integrating a
gender perspective into all aspects of policymaking, programming, and organizational
practices.
In simpler terms, it means considering the different needs, experiences, and realities of
people of all genders in decision-making processes and activities, rather than treating
gender as a separate issue or only addressing it in specific contexts.

For example, in education, gender mainstreaming might involve ensuring that school
curricula are designed in a way that challenges gender stereotypes and promotes equal
opportunities for boys and girls. In urban planning, it could mean designing public
spaces that are safe and accessible for people of all genders, taking into account
factors like lighting, transportation, and infrastructure. In healthcare, gender
mainstreaming might involve ensuring that medical research, treatment protocols, and
healthcare services are sensitive to the diverse health needs and experiences of people
of all genders.

Overall, gender mainstreaming aims to create more inclusive and equitable policies,
programs, and practices that benefit everyone, regardless of gender.

ix. GENDER INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION.

Gender inclusion and exclusion are concepts that deal with how individuals or groups are
treated based on their gender identity or expression within social, cultural, political, and
economic contexts.

Inclusion refers to creating environments where people of all genders feel valued, respected,
and supported. It involves recognizing and affirming diverse gender identities and
expressions, providing equal opportunities, and promoting fairness and equity regardless of
gender.
Exclusion, on the other hand, occurs when certain genders are marginalized, discriminated
against, or denied opportunities, rights, or resources based on their gender identity or
expression. This can take many forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination in
employment or education, unequal access to healthcare, and limited political representation.

Efforts to promote gender inclusion aim to dismantle systems and attitudes that perpetuate
exclusion and to foster environments where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. This
often involves challenging traditional gender norms and stereotypes, advocating for policies
that promote gender equality, and creating spaces that are safe and welcoming for people of
all genders.
x. GENDER ACCESS AND CONTROL OVER RESOURCES:
Gender access and control over resources refer to how different genders are able to obtain and
manage important resources like money, land, education, and healthcare. In many societies,
there's often inequality in who gets access to these resources and who gets to make decisions
about them.

For example, in some cultures, men might have more control over financial resources, such
as owning property or managing household income, while women may have limited access or
decision-making power. Similarly, in certain communities, boys might be prioritized for
education over girls, leading to unequal opportunities and outcomes.

xi. PRACTICAL GENDER NEEDS AND STRATIGIC GENDER

NEEDS.
Practical gender needs and strategic gender needs are concepts used to understand and
address gender inequalities and disparities.
 Practical Gender Needs: These are immediate and basic needs that arise
due to the existing gender roles and structures in society. They are often
focused on addressing the immediate challenges or problems faced by
individuals due to their gender. For example, providing access to clean
water and sanitation facilities in a community where women traditionally
bear the responsibility of fetching water can be considered a practical
gender need.

(Practical gender needs are immediate and noticeable needs that directly address
the daily challenges and fears of individuals within their specific gender roles.
These needs are often related to survival, basic services, and practical tasks. For
example, in many cultures, women may have practical gender needs such as
access to clean water, maternal healthcare, or childcare support.)
  Strategic Gender Needs: These are long-term needs aimed at transforming
the underlying power dynamics and structures that perpetuate gender
inequalities. Strategic gender needs address the root causes of gender
disparities and aim to empower individuals and communities to challenge
and change existing gender norms and roles. For instance, advocating for
gender-sensitive policies and laws to promote women's participation in
decision-making processes is a strategic gender need.

(Strategic gender needs, on the other hand, are broader and focus on addressing the
underlying causes of gender inequality. These needs aim to challenge social norms, power
dynamics, and institutional barriers that perpetuate gender disparities. An example of a
strategic gender need could be advocating for policies that promote gender equality in
education or employment opportunities, challenging traditional gender roles, or addressing
violence against women.)
In essence, practical gender needs deal with immediate issues, while strategic gender needs
address the deeper-rooted causes of gender inequality.