Explanation
The “gender deal,” developed by Pat Carlen in Women, Crime and Poverty (1988), refers to the normative promise made to women: if they embrace roles as caregivers, mothers, and partners—i.e., if they adhere to dominant ideals of femininity—they will receive love, protection, and social approval. For many women in disadvantaged circumstances, this deal proves untenable or unfulfilled. When women are excluded from these symbolic and material rewards due to abuse, neglect, or structural inequality, some may reject traditional roles and turn to crime as a form of resistance or survival.
Theoretical Reference
The gender deal is a foundational concept in feminist criminology. It highlights the gendered dimensions of social control and critiques the male-centric bias in traditional crime theories.