The 'Chivalry Thesis' is a concept in sociology suggesting that the criminal justice system is more lenient towards women due to societal stereotypes and traditional gender roles, which perceive women as less capable of committing serious crimes or as deserving of protective treatment.
This view argues that police officers, judges, and other figures within the legal system often unconsciously exhibit chivalrous attitudes, resulting in women receiving lighter sentences or being more readily excused from criminal activities compared to men.
This theory is particularly relevant for GCSE Sociology students when exploring topics like gender dynamics, crime, and the influence of societal norms on legal outcomes.
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