SOCIO-CULTURAL DETERMINANTS OF FEMALE CRIMINALITY IN PUNJAB PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the socio-cultural and economic determinants of female criminality in Punjab, Pakistan. A total of (N= 32) convicted women imprisoned in thirteen jails of the Punjab were selected for this study. Semi-structured interview guide was used to collect the data through purposive sampling technique. After organizing the data, key notes were taken; codes, themes and attitude & behavior were explored. The results of the study reflected that females were involved in the serious nature of crimes i.e. murder, attempt murder, drug trafficking, theft, kidnapping and child trafficking. The results further demonstrated that unhealthy environment of family, domestic violence and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) were found as key determinants of female crime. Besides the above, forced marriages, early age marriages, extramarital affairs of husband and wife, family criminal history, refusal of inheritance property rights, influence of peers and preference to take revenge, poverty, unemployment and lust for money were also explored major factors behind the crime committed by convicted women. The study concluded that overall crime is social evil and spreading speedily day by day. Female are forced to adopt criminal behavior because of socio-cultural factors. The study recommended that it is dire need to recognize female criminality as an important issue which is becoming challenge for the both state and society. The relevant stakeholders i.e. government, non-government organizations & civil society must take corrective measures to minimize female criminality. The corrective measures include education, awareness raising programs, strengthening the criminal justice system, proper execution of laws related to gender base & domestic and inheritance property rights.