Feminist criminology is the study of crime in gender terms, for example why men commit more crimes than women, why women commit more minor crimes, such as shoplifting, than violent crimes, sexism in justice system and female victimization. Feminist criminology contains many branches. Liberal, radical, Marxist and socialist feminism are widely recognized, although other "strands" such as postmodernism and ecofeminism exist. Most feminist criminology involves critiques of how female offenders have been ignored, distorted, or stereotyped within mainstream criminology, but there is no shortage of separate theories and modifications of existing theories. Although all feminist theorists share a common focus on gender inequality, there are differing opinions on the source of the problem and the ultimate solution. Liberal feminists Freda Adler and Rita argued that sociological factors, not physiology, best explain women's criminality. There is a strong relationship between women's empowerment and the increase in female crime rates. As women become more empowered and involved in full-time jobs, they are more likely to be involved in the types of crimes committed by men. Thrasher, a leading exponent of the social disorganization perspective, believed that girls and women committed fewer crimes because they were monitored more closely by boys and men. These arguments lacked any factual support. Most crimes committed by women were not related to improving labor market opportunities. Feminist research has shown that many female offenders are often single parents and some are perhaps pregnant, resulting in more women receiving lesser sentences rather than imprisonment, as courts have the added responsibility of considering children. Up to the f... middle of paper... ney." According to a study conducted by Schwartz and Pitts at Ohio University, "70 percent of murders occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Most of these murders were committed in low-income areas. In the same study, the average profile of family burglary victims is under the age of 19, has an annual income of less than $15,000, and renters living in a multifamily unit. Works CitedSiegel, L. (2006). Criminology. 9th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.McGrath, J. (2009). Theories of victimization. Yahoo Rumors. Retrieved from http://voices.yahoo.com/theories-victimization-victim-precipitation-lifestyle-3180181.htmlHermida, J. (2012). Feminist criminology. Retrieved from http://www.julianhermida.com/contfeminist.htmFrancese, M. (2010) Feminist Criminology and Integrated Theory. Mega links in criminal justice. Retrieved from http://www.drtomoconnor.com/1060/1060lect07b.htm