NCJ Number
169417
Journal
Criminology Volume: 35 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1997) Pages: 577-600
Date Published
1997
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Variations in the sex ratio in homicides of spouses and other intimate partners across different cities during 1988-92 were examined, with emphasis on the influence of varying degrees of gendered economic equality on these killings and the role of economic and regional/cultural contexts.
Abstract
The data came from the 191 cities with populations of 100,000 or more. The FBI's Supplementary Homicide Report Division provided information on the sex ratio of intimate killings. The analysis calculated the intimate homicides perpetrated by women per 100 perpetrated by men. The data were analyzed by means of ordinary least-squares regression analyses. Results revealed that intimate homicides represent only 6 percent of all homicides and that 62 women killed their intimate male partners for every 100 men who kill their intimate partners. Results revealed a significant negative influence of female economic equality, as measured by the sex ratios of employment, on the sex ratio of intimate killing. In addition, this influence was contingent on general economic well-being and more traditional cultural orientations to gender roles. Overall, the findings clearly indicate that the variation in the sex ratio of intimate killing is related to the structural features of communities. In cities where females are experiencing relatively high economic advantage compared to males, the sex ratios of killing intimate partners tend to be biased in favor of males. Tables and 72 references (Author abstract modified)