Socio-psychological correlates of crime among women - a micro level study in North-West India

The present study entitled “Socio-Psychological Correlates of Crime among Women - A Micro Level Study in North-West India” was undertaken with a total sample of 150 respondents from three jails viz; Ludhiana Central Jail for Women, Ambala Central Jail and Chandigarh Central Jail. The analysis of data reveals a significant proportion of the female convicts had high or very high anxiety levels. A larger number of murders received high apprehension scores as compared to other convicts. The apprehension level was higher in case of the daily wage earners as compared to other occupational groups. A significant proportion of the criminals depicted higher levels of self-control. However, this level was distinctly higher in case of better-educated criminals. A majority of drug addicts had higher levels of emotional instability (covert) while the highest proportion of convicts from ‘other’ category of crimes received higher scores of emotional instability (overt). The tension levels, both overt and convert, were very high in case of all the criminals. The conclusions amply demonstrate the pitiable psychological conditions of the female criminals. The anxiety level, apprehension level, emotional instability and tension level are alarmingly high in case of all types of criminals. This condition of the criminals is largely due to social stigma attached with them and the prospect of a highly insecure future. Moreover, the facilities provided to the convicts in the jails leave much to be desired. Thus the frustrations and tensions of the convicts multiply and they fall prey to a number of physical and mental ailments. Hence there is an urgent need that the policy makers should give their utmost attention to these criminals, so that they can avoid the miserable living conditions.