A psychosocial study on crime and gender: Position, role and status of women in a sample of Spanish criminal organizations / Un estudio psicosocial sobre la delincuencia y género. Posición, rol y estatus de la mujer en una muestra española de organizaciones criminales

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of a sample of females (N = 200) who have belonged to organized crime groups (N = 67) that have operated in Spain between 1999 and 2010, along with what their roles and status have been. The information has been mined from police records provided by the Central Operational Unit of the Guardia Civil. The results enable us to conclude that most of the females are adults, and that many of them have family or partner ties to the organizations. Furthermore, they are actively involved in these criminal groups, mainly performing jobs that do not require the use of violence, and they are especially needed for internal security. In terms of status, the majority seem to be at the lowest level of the organizational structure, although we have managed to identify some women who have played leadership roles in criminal organizations.

Systematic Review of the Social, Psychological and Economic Factors Relating to Involvement and Recruitment into Organized Crime

“…The rate of OC male offenders is even higher compared with the population of general offenders (Salinas et al 2011). The participation of women occurs at lower rates mainly through family or emotional ties, especially within DTOs (Brotherton and Barrios 2004;Requena et al 2014;Salinas and Regadera 2016;Van San and Sikkens 2017;Varese 2011a). Their role varies across types of OCGs, and may change from home country to new territories.…”

“…Kinship and blood ties are facilitators to access OCGs (Arlacchi 1983;Arsovska 2015;Behan 1996;Brancaccio 2017;Ciconte 1992;Decker and Chapman 2008;Kissner and Pyrooz 2009;Lo 2010;Requena et al 2014;Salinas et al 2011;Salinas and Regadera 2016;Sciarrone 2014;Sergi 2016;Van Koppen 2013;Varese 2001Varese , 2006Varese , 2011a. The key role of kinship and blood ties in the recruitment into OCGs results from the need of cultural transmission and gradual learning of criminal culture and knowledge to new members (Gordon 2000;Sergi 2016).…”

Recruitment into organised criminal groups: A systematic review

“…Family ties are an important driver of recruitment into organised crime groups (Arlacchi 1983;Arsovska 2015;Behan 1996;Brancaccio 2017;Ciconte 1992;Cressey 1969;Decker & Chapman 2008;Gambetta 1993;Giménez-Salinas & Regadera 2016;Giménez-Salinas, Requena & de la Corte 2011;Kissner & Pyrooz 2009;Lo 2010;Requena et al 2014;Sciarrone 2014;Sergi 2016;van Koppen 2013;Varese 2013Varese , 2011aVarese , 2011bVarese , 2001Wang 2013). Family ties favour the cultural transmission and learning processes required for recruitment into criminal organisations (Gordon 2000;Sergi 2016).…”

“…Violence and an inclination for criminal behaviour are often crucial for recruitment in organised criminal groups. Members report long, violent and prolific criminal careers, and these patterns often precede their joining the organisation (Behan 1996;Blokland et al 2019;Kirby et al 2016;Requena et al 2014; see also Campedelli et al 2019). Furthermore, a more active criminal career often involves imprisonment, which can favour the establishment of contacts, social relations and opportunities for recruitment into organised criminal groups (Behan 1996;Ciconte 1992).…”

“…Nevertheless, several studies have focused on women's involvement in criminal organisations. While statistically rare, some women participate in organised crime and sometimes perform important roles (Brotherton & Barrios 2004;Requena et al 2014; van San and Sikkens 2017; see also Fiandaca 2007;Ingrascì 2007).…”