Why are women underrepresented in the criminal justice system?

Women are underrepresented in the criminal justice system due to a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. Traditionally, societal norms have relegated women to caregiving roles, limiting their participation in criminal activities. Additionally, women often face different pathways to crime, such as economic necessity or victimization, which may lead to less severe offenses that result in lighter sentencing or diversion from the system. Furthermore, biases within the justice system can also influence the likelihood of women's involvement in crime and their treatment within the system.