What did the rise in female crime between 1950 and the 1990s reflect?

The rise in female crime between 1950 and the 1990s reflects a significant change in societal norms regarding crime. During this period, there were substantial transformations in gender roles and expectations, which influenced how women engaged with crime. The feminist movement and shifts in societal attitudes toward women's liberation played a role in changing perceptions of female behavior. As women gained more social freedom and entered various domains previously dominated by men, such as the workforce, their involvement in crime also increased, challenging traditional notions of femininity and morality.

This context of expanding roles for women meant that crime was often viewed less as a male-dominated sphere and more as something that women could also participate in. Changes in law enforcement and legal frameworks also contributed to this increase, as crimes that may have previously been overlooked or minimized were increasingly recognized and recorded. These factors combined to provide a broader understanding of how and why women's criminality rose during this time—a reflection of changing societal norms rather than simply a result of criminal careers or gang involvement.