The forthcoming chapter in “The Routledge International Handbook of Online Deviance” by Dr. Ana B. Gómez-Bellvís and Dr. Francisco J. Castro-Toledo offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of cybercrime through the lens of gender differences. Their research specifically focuses on digital piracy, a common form of cybercrime, to see if traditional gender gaps in crime are also present online.
In our everyday digital world, we often think of the internet as a space where everyone has equal opportunities and risks. However, this research suggests that even in cyberspace, traditional gender roles and disparities have a significant influence. While some areas of cybercrime show that men and women are becoming more equal, other areas remain predominantly male-dominated.
The study finds that not all cybercrimes are equal: the type of digital content being pirated can influence whether more men or women participate. For example, there is little difference between genders in downloading music or books illegally, but more men engage in software piracy. This points to cultural and social factors that influence different types of cybercrime.
Another interesting finding from their research is how men and women feel about their ability to engage in digital piracy. Women tend to participate less in digital piracy not only because they may find it more morally objectionable but also because they often feel less confident in their technical skills compared to men. This reflects wider social issues, where women may be less encouraged to develop technical skills or pursue interests in certain digital domains.
This research by Dr. Gómez-Bellvís and Dr. Castro-Toledo is crucial for understanding the complex dynamics of gender in the realm of cybercrime. It shows that to effectively address and prevent these crimes, we need to consider how different factors, including gender stereotypes and self-perception, influence who participates in cybercrime.
As we await the full chapter’s publication in “The Routledge International Handbook of Online Deviance”, this overview invites us to rethink how we view and manage cybercrime, emphasizing the importance of considering gender differences in our strategies. This is not just important for academics but for everyone who is part of the digital world and is interested in making it a safer and more inclusive space.
Photo credits: Philipp Katzenberger from Unsplash
