Masculinity and Criminology: The Social Construction of Criminal Man

Abstract The development of a masculine criminology is something that has been missing from much of the criminological literature. Until recently, there was little consideration given to the concept of masculinity as a tool for understanding men and criminal behaviour. Therefore, this article discusses the relevance of masculinity as a tool for developing our understanding of male criminality with reference to the case of R aoul M oat. The discussion focuses upon the social construction of masculine identity and the relationship that exists between masculinity and criminality as both theoretical and analytical concepts in the study of men and crime.