Date of Conferral

7-18-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Julie Lindahl

Abstract

Gender disparities can be seen throughout the criminal justice system, where females are seen as weak and incapable of causing harm. This quantitative study sought to add to the existing research regarding physical characteristics linked to criminality. The labeling theory explains how physical characteristics labeled as deviant can alter a person’s perception when deciding whether an individual is violent. The research questions explored the physical characteristics linked to the perception of violent female offenders as well as the relationship between the gender of the participant and their ability to successfully identify a violent female offender. A mixture of statistical designs was used once data were collected from 123 participants via an online survey, and each variable was coded with a numerical value. A one-way ANOVA answered the first research question by showing which physical characteristics were selected as well as the average mean they were given. An independent t test answered the second research question by providing the mean per gender for each question. Results showed that the most selected physical characteristics linked to violence were body modifications, eyes, and facial expressions. While there was not a significant difference between the genders ability to successfully identify a violent female offender in this study, further research might be able to test for significance with a larger population. This research can contribute to positive social change for those in the criminal justice system, as it can show them how their perception of female offenders might lead to underestimating their ability to cause harm.

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