FEMALE CRIMINALITY IN PAKISTAN: SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFLUENCES AND PATHWAYS

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to explore the socio-economic factors contributing to female criminality in Pakistan. Over time, women’s involvement in crime has been shaped by industrialization, technological advancements, enhanced communication and transportation, and the pervasive influence of mass media. For this research, thirteen female offenders were purposively selected using a convenience sampling technique, with the inclusion criterion being that their sentences had been formally adjudicated by a court. An interview guide was designed to cover socio-demographic characteristics, criminal history, and social and economic factors, facilitating in-depth interviews. Findings indicate that women engage in criminal activities primarily due to economic hardship, family conflicts, material desire, pursuit of love, and the need to preserve family honor. The study underscores the importance of implementing measures to strengthen women’s socio-economic status and familial roles as a strategy to mitigate female criminality in Pakistan.