Criminology, Gender, and Race

Abstract

Criminology has historically exhibited a significant gender bias. Yet, spurred by feminist efforts, criminology has become more gender-inclusive recently. Research has documented this bias, and gains made by women. However, much of this research examines only gender bias, ignoring other important factors such as race. In this article, we examine gender and racial bias in criminology, conceptualizing the discipline as a Bourdieusian field, characterized by hierarchically arranged positions. We find that though women are present in nearly equal numbers to men, non-White people have a more limited presence, and White men dominate in positions endowed with the highest amounts of prestige and power.