“Men are more dangerous than women”.

This is the view that many have. Women are considered harmless, non-threatening, while a man is more easily viewed with suspicion.

There is overwhelming evidence that criminal courts are more lenient with female criminals. [1], [2], [3], [4] In certain cases, the judges are actively encouraged to treat women less harshly. [5]

This might seem like a benefit for women and it is, but only in the short term. This attitude is based on stereotypes that can be harmful towards both men and women. The excuse that women have people to take care of and therefore they should get less prison time is deeply flawed and based on the stereotype of women as the primary caregivers. Maybe men would actually be the primary caregivers if they were actually given the chance instead of being sent to prison. Separating a man from his family, sometimes for non-violent crimes, can have devastating effects for everyone.

The solution should not necessarily be for women to be treated more harshly. There is not enough evidence that long and harsh sentences can prevent crime. On the other hand, justice systems that focus more on the rehabilitation of the criminal tend to be more effective. [6]

Maybe instead of being “tough” on crime we should lower the sentences for non-violent offenders, focus on treating them humanely, try to actually rehabilitate them and take their issues more seriously. (for example, something has to be done about the appalling rates of sexual violence in prisons) Maybe we should start treating men as leniently and humanely as we treat women.

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